Plastic and the sea turtles : eliciting empathy through virtual reality : an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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Date
2020
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Massey University
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Abstract
This research project was prompted by the media reportage of a sea turtle harmed as a result of inhaling a plastic straw. It sets out to explore empathetic spatial narrative through the use of virtual reality (VR) as a method of environmental communication and activism. The exploration firstly involved research into storytelling, persuasion, empathy and immersive technologies as well as case study analysis of digital spatial design techniques used to persuade viewers about particular environmental or political topics. Through experiencing these case studies, and scuba diving, I was able to design a narrative that brought to life my research on plastic pollution in marine environments. The result of the design process is a virtual reality experience. The design visualises data allowing participants to experience in a first-person perspective a scenario that is not typically accessible in our everyday lives. By taking on the perspective of a sea turtle, and by experiencing the effect of human waste on the environment, it is suggested that the participant is prompted to have a more compassionate understanding of the plight of non-human beings, such as sea turtles. I argue that VR storytelling enables the participant to feel as though they are a part of the narrative. VR technology, namely, head-mounted displays deliver 360 degrees of immersive visuals, accompanied by surround sound to replace real-world senses, with the recreated and re-imagined. This simulated reality has the potential to prompt in participants an emotional response similar to experiencing the real. Through this simulation, VR creates a sense of presence and immersion within the digital environments, such as the marine environment created for this project.