The GeoEnergy Discovery Centre is packed full of interactive and educational resources, including Virtual Reality (VR) technology, that literally help you visualise ‘the heat beneath your feet’.

Ian Liddell, joint MD and Creative Director at animation and interactive production company Studio Liddell, is GeoEnergy NI’s 3D immersive partner for the project. Ian reflects on how VR helps bring the benefits of geothermal to life.

Encourages understanding

It was a great privilege to be chosen to work as ‘3D Immersive’ partners on the project and being able to work with the Department for the Economy and the talented GeoEnergy NI team. Researching a subject like geothermal was fascinating and we are extremely happy with the way that the project developed and how the application has been received and enjoyed by the public.

VR is a unique learning format, providing a platform that encourages focus, reduces distraction, and supports understanding.

Educational content experienced in a virtual world, along with simple interactions, can engage a user at a much deeper level of consciousness. This level of engagement is similar to physical actions in the ‘real world’ and, as such, can help promote understanding and improve memory recall.

The GeoEnergy NI VR modules take users on a journey that begins in space, describes in detail what energy is, and demonstrates how our planet is affected by it, both below the surface (to the core) and above it (into space). It examines how we can move forward into a sustainable future using advances in technology to access different sources of energy that will help us to reach net zero.

Using Virtual Reality as the platform allows us to leverage the benefit of unique visual opportunities, for example, viewing planet Earth from space, and splitting it down the centre to reveal the core, mantle, and crust within is quite spectacular – so much so you can almost feel the heat within!

An example of a visual from the GeoEnergy NI VR experience.

 

Immerse yourself

The GeoEnergy NI VR experience was designed to be fully immersive and engage users on different levels. The rich, colourful and engaging design is presented in 360 degrees, using animated 3D sequences, 360 degree audio and user-controlled inputs, with the user right in the middle of the action!

For example, users can adjust the wind blowing on wind turbines and learn how much energy it can produce. You also have the freedom to investigate the angle of a house to better understand how sunshine can be used to power solar panels, and what to do with the extra energy a self-sustaining home can produce. Users can even journey down a borehole to better understand the ‘heat beneath their feet’. Overall, energy is presented in a fun, story led manner, using manageable modules to host each part of the story. The information is available across eight different modules, allowing users to dip in and out of the content.

A unique approach

The combination of being enveloped inside the experience, taking part, and learning about complex concepts in a simplified, highly focused environment makes the project unique in its approach and as a valuable educational toolset. Users are encouraged to enjoy learning about energy and are provided the opportunity to explore ideas about how geothermal energy can benefit the people of Northern Ireland. This includes opportunities for energy independence, skilled jobs, a growing economy, and a greener environment.

Young or old, student or parent, the content is suitable for everyone who wants to find out more about geothermal energy! The simple-to-use menu system allows users to enjoy a solo trek through the application, present it to a group, or participate in a classroom setting with up to 14 students and a teacher guiding the experience. Modules are narrated to ensure full explanations of visuals are supported.

Design is presented in rich 3D sequences and narrated.

 

Join the geothermal world! 

With eight distinct modules and over 80 minutes of content, there is an enriching world of geothermal energy to learn about. As well as using the VR headsets at the GeoEnergy Discovery Centre, you can also access the modules comfort of your own home through a Meta Quest 3 virtual reality platform. Joining instructions are available via the downloads and resources section of the GeoEnergyNI.org website.