Virtual reality in the zoo: A qualitative evaluation of a stereoscopic virtual reality video encounter with little penguins Eudyptula minor

Abstract

Encounters between animals and humans in zoos and aquariums are being increasingly enhanced, mediated and extended using digital technologies. This article presents the results of research into the design, use and experience of stereoscopic (3D) 180o film viewed via a Virtual Reality (VR) headset at the zoo. This technology has recently emerged as an affordable consumer device with increasing uptake in education and museums. Drawing on research methodologies from the field of human-computer interaction, this project followed a ‘research-through-design’ approach, which sought to discover more about the potential of VR technologies in the zoo generally, through the process of designing a parti..