part 2 – Prototype presentation with operating instructions and demo
DEMO (Video):
DEMO (Screenshots):
Motivations
My inspiration came from a memorable trip I took to Liverpool, where I had the privilege of visiting the Beatles Museum and a special exhibition at the Liverpool Museum titled “John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Story.” One exhibit room at the Beatles Museum particularly stood out to me, and it was the white piano room from John Lennon’s “Imagine” music video. The room was all white with a grand piano in the center, and the simplicity and elegance of the design left a lasting impression on me.
The message of “Imagine” is one of peace without war, and it got me thinking about how climate change is like a war between humanity and nature. We continue to exploit and ravage the environment, and in turn, nature fights back with extreme weather events like tsunamis and wildfires. When will we learn to live in harmony with nature and create a peaceful world like the white piano room? To me, the white piano room represents the hope for a future where humanity and nature can coexist peacefully.
Description of prototype
The interactive exhibit will feature a virtual room modeled after the Beatles’ personal space during their early years as a band. The room will be centered around a guitar, the iconic instrument that defined the Beatles’ music and was integral to their performances. Using the arrow keys, visitors can move around the room and explore various exhibits, which will include audio and video clips, as well as informational displays about the Beatles’ environmental activism.
As visitors approach each exhibit, the relevant audio or video clip will automatically start playing, providing an immersive and interactive experience. The virtual room allows visitors to navigate through the different exhibits and explore at their own pace.
In addition to the exhibits, the virtual room will also include some elements such as sculpture, yellow submarine and some decorations to keep visitors engaged and entertained. By combining these 3D elements with informative displays, the exhibit aims to engage visitors and increase their understanding and appreciation of the Beatles’ impact on environmental advocacy.
Emphasizing the Importance of Addressing Climate Threats in Prototype Design
At first glance, the application of digital technology may seem worlds apart from the preservation of cultural heritage through traditional means. However, much like the invention of paper-making techniques thousands of years ago, digital technology preserves the culture and wisdom of its time. We must learn to embrace new technology rather than replace the old, for only through a combination of both can we drive the progress of human civilization forward. The virtual room serves the purpose of allowing users to take a moment to contemplate the heritage theme. In the past, our interaction with The Beatles’ music was mostly limited to hearing their songs in audio format, experiencing the passionate performances of lucky fans who witnessed their energetic concerts. However, the virtual room transcends the limits of reality, enabling users to visit it anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, if we incorporate virtual reality technology, the experience will be even more immersive.
Through the virtual room, users can explore The Beatles’ advocacy for environmental protection and their message of love and peace, which remain relevant today as we confront the challenges of climate change. The exhibit in the virtual room showcases selected Beatles songs and events, demonstrating their commitment to environmental protection as part of cultural heritage. In doing so, we hope to inspire users to follow in their footsteps and work towards creating a sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature. We also believe that by using digital technology to promote heritage, we can reach a wider audience and ensure that cultural heritage is accessible to everyone around the world.
In conclusion, the virtual room serves as a bridge between the past and the present, showcasing the cultural heritage of The Beatles and inspiring users to consider the pressing issues of our time. By combining traditional and digital methods of preserving cultural heritage, we can ensure that it continues to inform and inspire generations to come.