Zoo Life
Bridging Gaps in Wildlife Education
Leveraging the power of virtual reality and digital tools to create an interactive and inclusive way of learning about endangered animals. By offering immersive experiences, we aim to make the world of these incredible species more accessible, inspiring curiosity and making education both fun and meaningful for all.
Now, think back on the last time you went to a zoo...
When was the last time you visited a zoo—or truly learned about wildlife, especially endangered species? Now ask yourself: why has it been so long? What’s holding that connection back?
SO...
How might we make animal education more accessible, engaging, and inclusive for a diverse audiencethrough digital and immersive technologies?
Context
Access to real wildlife experiences is limited for many due to location, cost, or physical barriers. Traditional zoos can be inaccessible and often lack engaging education about endangered species and conservation. There’s a need for a more immersive and accessible way to connect people with animals and raise awareness for their protection.
Proposed Solution
The virtual zoo app offers an engaging, accessible, and ethical way to learn about wildlife, overcoming barriers like limited access, passive learning, and conservation awareness gaps.
Digital and virtual technologies are revolutionizing education. A 2020 Stanford University study found that VR boosts student engagement & retention by 30% over traditional methods.
Who is our target audience?
Target Audience
Since virtual reality is targeted towards people 13 years and above, our target audience encompasses teens & young adults who own VR headsets and are actively looking for innovative and meaningful content beyond just games.
Investigating the needs of target audience
We started by conducting user research through interviews and surveys, seeking to understand the challenges people encounter in accessing and appreciating animal wildlife and exploring how technology can help overcome these obstacles.
Surveying Potential Interest
Ideation
Moodboard
Visualizing the Concept
Low Fidelity
Mid Fidelity
**USER TESTING STILL IN PROGRESS**
Now…
Overview
Overall, Zoo Life is a VR app that lets users visit zoos around the world and explore more animal habitats from home. It combines immersive virtual tours with interactive lessons about wildlife, endangered species, and conservation.
But WAIT! There’s more.
Our Connection Extends Past Virtual Reality
Our social media is here to educate, inspire, and connect. We spotlight endangered species, share the power of virtual reality for accessible zoo experiences, and build a community that cares about wildlife conservation and inclusion.
Exploring Immersive Dimensions
Understanding the need for a fully immersive experience, I transitioned from 2D wireframes to 3D VR prototyping with plugins. This shift was crucial in capturing the spatial dynamics and interactivity essential for a virtual zoo environment.
Through a 3D Space:
Key Takeaways
Accessibility is Powerful: Designing inclusively revealed how many are excluded from traditional zoo experiences. Technology can help bridge those physical, geographic, as well as financial gaps.
Education Can Be Immersive: VR isn't just entertainment—it's a powerful tool for learning. By placing users in close contact with endangered species, the experience becomes more personal and impactful.
User Feedback Shapes Everything: From interface design to content delivery, listening to potential users, especially those with accessibility needs—was key to creating an experience that truly serves them.