For this project we were to explore what could be technologically possible in 50 years based off of current technologies and frameworks. I decided to explore the possibility of a virtual zoo and supplemented the design with ethnographic, primary and secondary research regarding the necessary technology and the impact of captivity on animals. I chose the zoo because of the potential to improve both the animal and human experience.
For this initiative, I recommended utilizing the existing space at the zoo, creating virtual domes that mimic the animals habitat and running a large free range conservatory in the middle. This way the virtual zoo would interact with it's surroundings, allow for closer more visceral interaction with safe, virtual animals, and maintain the zoo's mission for learning by running a conservatory with research purposes and limited access to the public. This development also center's the user experience in two ways by considering the animals and the human users.
A presentation containing the research highlights can be seen below followed by the final concept.
Final Concept:
