Immersive VR Experience: Highlighting Life After a Stroke

Our team was proud to contribute to an immersive VR project that became a finalist in the VR Social Impact Award category at the Fourth International VR Awards. Commissioned by East City Films, this powerful experience used Virtual Reality (VR) and multi-sensory elements to create an emotional and thought-provoking journey. Hosted at Portcullis House in London, the event supported organisations including the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists, Sue Ryder, and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

The Concept

East City Films, known for their expertise in VR and 360 films, collaborated with parliament to draw attention to the challenges faced by stroke survivors. The experience told the real story of Elizabeth, a woman who experienced a life-altering stroke. Working with Connie Harrison, a director renowned for blending VR with multi-sensory elements, the goal was to transport MPs into Elizabeth’s world, creating empathy and understanding through a fully immersive experience.

Our Contribution

Collaborating with Connie Harrison and the East City Films team, Mike Ross from Blue Alchemy Labs (BAL) led the design and implementation of the haptic, SFX, show control system, and technical design for the event. The experience combined VR with physical and sensory enhancements to create a truly transformative journey:

• Haptic Feedback and Subtle Rumbles: Subpacs attached to the backs of wheelchairs delivered tactile feedback, mirroring the rumble of waves and the emotional crescendos of the story’s music, deepening the connection between VR and physical sensations.
• DMX-Controlled Fans: Wind machines simulated sea breezes, adding a tactile dimension that heightened the realism and evoked the feeling of sitting on a beach.
• Thematic Props: Wheelchairs and blankets placed MPs into the narrative, mirroring Elizabeth’s story and fostering a stronger emotional connection.
• Spatialised Audio and VR Synchronisation: The combination of spatialised sound, visuals, and physical elements sped up the feeling of presence, fully immersing participants in Elizabeth’s world.

Impact and Recognition

This project not only provided a compelling and theatrical VR experience but also demonstrated the transformative potential of immersive technology to drive empathy and understanding. By integrating sensory effects with VR, the experience created a lasting impression on its audience, including policymakers at Portcullis House.

As a finalist in the VR Social Impact Award category at the Fourth International VR Awards, the project gained international recognition for its innovative approach to advocacy. It exemplifies the power of VR when paired with multi-sensory design, and we are honoured to have contributed to such a significant and impactful initiative.