Between the Veil
With a growing desire to explore new ways to evoke presence and immersion within VR, this research thesis creates a virtual environment that combines real-world 180º stereoscopic video and 3D modeled replicas of these environments in virtual reality. We have explored the combination of these to advance the development of a new cutting-edge VR experience that will further research in both 360º video, presence, and empathy. The current problem with 360º video is its lack of interactivity. This research thesis puts the user in the position of a recent murder victim whose body has just been discovered by four actors. While exploring the VE, and experiencing the 360 videos, the user unravels the story of their demise in a first-of-its-kind mixed VR experience. Listening and looking for clues from the 360º video experience, while switching to the 3D modeled experience and exploring the VE in the search for clues, the user discovers who the murderer is and solves the mystery of their death.
