Representing Pasts – Visioning Futures

Abstract

The development of virtual reality (VR) technologies has accelerated recently. Head-Mounted Displays (HMD) have become available for end consumers, positioning these technologies as a fresh avenue for creating innovative simulated experiences. This study established the stability and validity of information collected to develop a VR experience for the Oculus GO centered around an exhibition at the Frank McCourt Museum in Limerick, Ireland, based on McCourt’s memoir, Angela’s Ashes, which describes his childhood and youth in Limerick in the 1930s. In the context of immersive storytelling for public interaction, this study aimed to learn more about the impact of VR on museum experiences. Three successively more sophisticated prototypes were created, capturing Visitor Perceptions, User Behaviour Patterns, and an Immersive Experience Test for museum visitors. The analysis results were used to improve the succeeding prototype and develop an understanding of museum users. Based on the development’s experience, suggestions and feedback are provided at each research strategy stage. These results demonstrate immersive VR applications can effectively communicate cultural material showing how VR technology may successfully target diverse audiences, including young individuals who are more familiar with new media and older people who are more accustomed to traditional communication methods. Furthermore, the potential of VR for developing interactive museum experiences that benefit both the visitor and the museum by enhancing visitor engagement, increasing the attractiveness of museum visits, and contributing to museums’ entertainment and educational purposes. The positive visitor responses suggest that as VR technology improves, its use will succeed as part of enhancing the museum experience.