Background

The rapid development of technology has given rise to new kinds of experiential and immersive solutions that are utilised in learning, well-being and the promotion of a sense of community. There is a growing number of companies in the Uusimaa region that produce various immersive material and tools for learning, research and recreational use. Cooperation between experts from different fields is needed to ensure that the experiences of the users of immersive spaces are taken into account in the development of technology.

Objectives

1. Explore existing solutions for immersive spaces that support user well-being, community and inclusion.

2. Organises multi-actor Living Lab experiments to collect user experiences of immersive spaces and their effects on well-being and inclusion.

3. To create  an ecosystem in which actors from different fields (research, art, technology, companies) develop and productize immersive space solutions.

4.Identify the commercial potential of immersive space.

Activities

The project develops and tests immersive spaces in practice in cooperation with companies, experts and users. The activities are built on several mutually supportive entities:

Development of a space concept

mapping existing solutions in Finland and internationally

designing and implementing modifiable spaces for existing environments,

developing both fixed and easily movable space solutions

combining audiovisual technology and physical space into a multisensory experience

Living Lab experiments

user experiments are carried out with different target groups

the content of the spaces is planned together with the users

experiences of the effects of the spaces on well-being and inclusion are tested solutions are tested in both learning environments and public spaces

Content production

developing models for user-oriented content production

producing example content in cooperation with users and artists

identifying technical and ethical issues related to content production

Building a business network

creating a multidisciplinary ecosystem (at least 20 companies)

developing solutions and services to be productised together

organising demonstrations and showroom activities

Communication and dissemination of results

Publication of reports, guides and articles

Dissemination of lessons learned and good practice from the project

Production of videos and other illustrative material

Results

The project will result in concrete solutions, information and cooperation models for the development and utilisation of immersive spaces:

New business opportunities and innovations for different companies

A scalable space concept that can be used in different environments and for user groups

Description of the technical and content solutions for the implementation of immersive spaces

User experience data on the effects of spaces on well-being, inclusion and community

Example content and instructions for user-oriented content production

An extensive business network and ecosystem that supports the development of new services and products