Designing a Virtual Death VR Experience

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) exhibitions are becoming increasingly popular for creating immersive and interactive experiences. One particular use case in research is death simulations in VR, where users can experience or explore the concept of death in a controlled environment. Death is a profound theme that offers opportunities for emotional growth, empathy, and deep reflection. This project presents Passing Electrical Storms, an innovative virtual reality art installation by Shaun Gladwell, designed to evoke the human experience of dying and an out-of-body journey through the universe. The installation combines VR, sensing technologies, and tactile feedback to create a visually stunning and emotionally immersive experience. Participants journey from a simulated cardiac arrest to brain death, moving through inner-body experiences and vast cosmic expanses, provoking contemplation on mortality and the sublime nature of the universe. This work demonstrates the potential of VR to engage users with complex emotional and existential themes, providing valuable insights for future VR design in the field of HCI.