Museums and science centres are no longer just about passive observation – they are institutions that can move you, transport you – to the most remote environments, that usually only a reserved few get to witness. But, things are changing quickly. Thanks to cutting-edge technology and bold creative storytelling, people can now step into the most extreme and remote environments that exist on the planet – without ever leaving the city. It’s become that simple. From the crushing depths of the ocean to the vast expanse of space, immersive exhibits are pushing the limits of what’s possible, transforming passive spectators into active explorers. We can even venture into environments that would be too dangerous for humans to enter, such as volcanoes, forest fires, earthquakes or tsunamis. Experiential design is at the forefront of this movement, merging interactive design, augmented reality, and multisensory experiences to create deeply engaging environments that bring the most remote environments to our doorstep. formula D_‘s multimedia approach is at the forefront of these exciting developments.
From the Ocean’s Depths to Outer Space
Exploring the deep oceans in real life is a feat reserved for a handful of deep-sea explorers with years of training and experience. And let’s be honest, with the semi-recent implosion of the Titan submersible, we don’t think that people will be quick to raise their hands for this type of expedition. But with immersive technology we luckily can explore the depths of our seas in perfect safety. Advances in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), visual mapping and motion sensing, are making it possible to recreate the ocean’s most inaccessible places, offering visitors a visceral sense of what it’s like to dive into the abyss.
Let’s look at formula D_’s Immersive Gulf Stream Experience at the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science in Miami. This experience offers a large interactive projection environment, which exposes visitors to the intricacies of this ocean ecosystem. To create this experience, we used specially developed computer algorithms to showcase the realistic and ever-changing schooling behaviours of thousands of virtual sardines and other marine creatures. Visitors can influence the ultra-high-definition flow environment in real-time thanks to camera tracking sensors – recreating a sort of virtual scuba-diving experience.
Let’s really push the boundaries of this topic. Let’s look at space travel – something that is even more inaccessible to most of us. As of February 2024, sources indicate that only 648 people have entered into outer space. And, only 281 people have visited the International Space Station (ISS). That is a remarkably small number.
So how do we bring space travel back down to Earth? THE INFINITE exhibition is the answer to this. Inspired by NASA’s Artemis program, this fully immersive experience offers an awe-inspiring virtual journey to the International Space Station (ISS), allowing visitors to float in zero gravity and witness Earth from orbit. It is a multisensory journey that uses VR technology and offers a glimpse into the daily lives of astronauts. With 360-degree immersive footage captured during actual missions, visitors can float weightlessly through the ISS, witness breathtaking views of Earth, and engage with interactive installations that blend art, science, and storytelling. The exhibition seamlessly integrates haptic feedback, spatial audio, and real astronaut testimonials, creating an experience that feels as close to space travel as possible without leaving the ground.
THE INFINITE is not the only exhibit that allows us to explore space travel. The Zero Gravity Room at the Paradox Museum in Miami plays with physics and illusion to create the sensation of weightlessness. These installations give the public a rare glimpse into environments once thought to be impossible to experience firsthand.
Blurring the Lines Between Reality and Simulation
Let’s just land from our space mission for a moment. At the National Museum of Australia, you don’t just read about Mount Vesuvius; you experience it. Every 15 minutes, the room transforms into a volcanic ‘inferno’, complete with rumbling ground, searing heat, and projected ash-filled skies. Enough to get the heart racing.
As a kid, you might have dreamed of talking to dinosaurs and even uncovering ancient secrets. And what if extinct animals could talk back? Well, those ‘out of this world’ imaginations might be within our grasp. At the University Museum of Zoology in Cambridge, an AI-powered exhibit allows visitors to chat with the extinct dodo. Scan a QR code, ask a question, and get a response straight from the ‘digital beak’ of history. Just a few years ago, the idea of reviving long-lost species – even in a digital form – was pure sci-fi. Now, we’re literally holding conversations with creatures that became extinct centuries ago.
Whether it’s a deep-sea research lab simulation or an interactive climate change exhibit, experiential design is built on the idea that the best way to understand something is to be a participative student of it, whether that means controlling an underwater drone, navigating an ice-covered landscape, or stepping into the boots of a scientist exploring Mars.
What’s Next?
The future of museum and science centre experiences is getting more ambitious and is limited only by our own imaginations. AI-driven storytelling, biometric feedback, and even haptic technology will soon take immersion to the next level, making it possible to feel the weight of an astronaut’s suit or the chill of the Antarctic wind.
For now, one thing is clear: whether it’s the bottom of the ocean, the surface of Mars, or the heart of a volcano, the most extreme environments on Earth and beyond are no longer out of reach.
