MAVEN

TYPE OF CLIENT

Museum

BRIEF

I partnered with fellow designer Cody Stocker to develop a museum exhibit concept for a planned Mars mission. Our goal was to create an immersive experience and supporting print collateral that would visually communicate the mission’s scope and inspire public engagement. We collaborated on the visual direction, environmental design, and supporting materials to pitch the exhibit to a potential client.

RESULT

We proposed a fully immersive VR experience simulating SpaceX’s first manned journey to Mars. The concept featured an XD movie theater, VR headset simulations of landing on the Martian surface, life-sized habitat prototypes, and a central hub for monitoring crew progress and mission objectives. Visitors would complete interactive group tasks to simulate real mission responsibilities. The experience was designed to combine science education, visual storytelling, and hands-on interaction into a cohesive and compelling exhibit.

Step Beyond Earth:

MAVEN-The Mars Experience Unfolds in VR

Embarking on a visionary endeavor, my project partner, Cody Stocker, and I were entrusted to propose a groundbreaking museum exhibit that transcends traditional learning experiences. Our mission was to design an immersive journey to the Red Planet, Mars, employing cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology within an extraordinary XD theatre.

Visitors, transformed into virtual astronauts, would accompany the inaugural manned crew to Mars, engaging in thrilling tasks crucial to the mission's success. Upon concluding the VR odyssey, participants would transition to the main museum space, where a wealth of exhibits awaited them. There would be authentic space suits displayed, informative infographics embellishing the walls, detailed models of the spacecraft and equipment deployed on the mission, and a life-sized replica of the pod-like living quarters during the Martian stay. This multi-faceted experience would not only educate but transport exhibitors into the awe-inspiring realm of interplanetary exploration, leaving an indelible mark on their understanding of humanity's journey to the cosmos.

lift off

Upon completing their check-in process, our virtual astronauts will be ushered into the extraordinary XD theatre, featuring state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) goggles that seamlessly plunge them into the immersive realms of planetary exploration. Enhanced by hydraulic-powered smart seats, this unparalleled experience promises to redefine the very essence of space missions, creating a journey unlike any other.

exploration

After a safe touchdown of our virtual astronauts and their cargo on Mars, the astronauts will exit the XD theatre and transition to the expansive exploration zone. Here, exhibitors can engage in an open-ended exploration of the Martian surface through their VR goggles. They will be presented with the opportunity to actively participate by undertaking diverse tasks essential for ensuring the survival of their time on Mars. This immersive experience lasts on average approximately half an hour to a full hour, allowing for a deeper connection with the challenges and excitement of Martian exploration.

After exploring Mars, exhibitors head to "The Hub," the mission's central information center. Astronauts check their exploration stats, learning how their contributions benefit the community and habitat. The Hub features genuine space suit replicas, infographics, Mars facts, and displays of mission tools.

stats

Living Quarters

The life-sized replica of the astronauts' living quarters on the Red Planet offers a distinctive encounter by vividly illustrating the spatial conditions anticipated during their stay. Providing a glimpse into the confined yet functional environment, the living quarters, by Earth standards, resemble a compact studio apartment. Nevertheless, it abundantly accommodates the Martian crew members, highlighting the efficiency and adaptability required for life beyond our home planet.

Campaign

Effective signage and a compelling advertising campaign play pivotal roles in enhancing the visitor experience at a state-of-the-art museum experience dedicated to Maven.