Summary
Created between January 15 and March 24, 2024. A narrative-driven VR experience where users step into the role of Marie Curie and reenact key moments from her radioactive research. Inspired by a visit to Malmö Museer’s Nobel exhibition and later showcased at Kreativum in Karlshamn. I was responsible for all scenes (except one), narration script, AI-generated voice, models, VFX, Unreal implementation, and integrating the audio.
School: Blekinge Institute of Technology
Program: Design of Digital and Immersive Experiences
Course: Exhibition Technology
Assignment: Interactive redesign of an existing museum installation
Project duration: January 15 – March 24, 2024
Project brief
As part of the course, we visited Malmö Museer’s exhibition From Idea to Nobel Prize to gather inspiration for designing our own interactive, site-specific digital experience. Each student team reimagined part of the exhibition using digital media to create an engaging, accessible, and immersive prototype.
My contributions
We chose to focus on Marie Curie, whose story was included in the Malmö Museer exhibition. I wrote the full narration script and generated the guiding voice using AI (ElevenLabs). I created all scenes except one, including 3D models (available on Sketchfab), environment design, particle VFX, lighting, and all implementation in Unreal Engine. I also integrated all sound elements into the engine, including the music and sound effects created by one of my teammates. Additionally, I was responsible for designing and implementing the main menu interface. Another teammate developed the test tube mixing scene.
Work process
The experience was developed in Unreal Engine and designed for seated or standing use with VR controllers to maximize comfort and accessibility. The user performs research tasks inspired by Curie’s real work, such as handling pitchblende and mixing chemicals, while an AI-generated voice guides them through the process and its risks.
The finished prototype was presented to the public at Kreativum Science Center in Karlshamn. The installation included a looping teaser video and a VR station. User testing revealed areas for improvement in onboarding and pacing between narrative segments.
This project consists
– A VR sequence where users embody Marie Curie’s scientific work
– AI-generated narration guiding the player
– Custom 3D assets and radiation-inspired visual effects
– Integrated sound design and VFX
– Stationary VR design to reduce motion sickness and improve accessibility
– Public exhibition at Kreativum following inspiration from Malmö Museer
Preview of Radiant Discoveries an immersive VR experience where you step into Marie Curies role and explore her radioactive research
Radiant Discoveries – Discover Radium and Polonium like Marie Curie!
This looping video was shown on a TV next to our VR exhibition station at Kreativum in Karlshamn.
Used in the main menu of the Radiant Discoveries VR experience, this glowing radioactive portrait frame features Marie Curie’s historic photograph and sets the tone for the immersive narrative.
A low poly 3D model of the Nobel Prize medal featured in the Radiant Discoveries VR experience. Displayed alongside the glowing portrait frame to highlight Marie Curie’s historic achievements.
The wooden door used to transition between different acts in the Radiant Discoveries VR experience, guiding the user through Marie Curie’s scientific journey.
A large wooden stirring spoon used to mix the radioactive pitchblende in the cauldron during the Radiant Discoveries VR experience.
A large wooden and metal cauldron used to heat and process the radioactive pitchblende during the Radiant Discoveries VR experience.
A wooden laboratory table where chemical mixing and test tube experiments take place in the Radiant Discoveries VR experience.
A wooden test tube rack designed to securely hold multiple test tubes during experiments in the Radiant Discoveries VR experience.