What it does
"Through Their Eyes" is a VR experience that lets users see the world from animal perspective like an orca in captivity or a bee in a dying ecosystem. Designed for education, it builds empathy and awareness around ecology, animal rights, and sustainability.
Your inspiration
I decided to solve this problem as I was watching documentary videos on how animals live their life in the wild. As I watched the documentary, I was reminded that these issues come about because humans are invading their ecosystem, thus creating this issue. That is why I have decided to create this product to educate people about how it feels like to have our homes invaded and losing our place to live in.
How it works
Allows for user to view life from an animal’s perspective with realism, allowing them to be able to fully immerse themselves living their life as if they were born like the animal that is shown. As the user view and experience the physical and mental pain that animals are undergoing as the scenes play, the suit and headset shall induce a physical response that reflects the severity of that pain.
Design process
Concept Development Goal: Spark radical empathy by letting users "become" animals experiencing environmental harm. Inspiration: Stemmed from a desire to challenge anthropocentric thinking and explore how immersive technology can create ethical awareness. Core Question: “What would it feel like to live, suffer, and experience the world as a non-human animal?” Research & Ideation Focus Areas: Animal behavior & sensory perception — to ensure realism VR embodiment studies — how humans respond to full-body perspective shifts Pain simulation ethics — understanding boundaries of discomfort and safety Experience Mapping & User Journey Developed a three-phase structure for the experience: Life as the Animal: Peaceful exploration of habitat (e.g., crawling through underbrush, flying, swimming). Environmental Disruption: Gradual human intrusion — pollution, deforestation, confinement. Emotional and Physical Suffering: The animal experiences fear, confusion, or pain — conveyed through visuals, sound, and body-suit feedback.
How it is different
Embodied Animal Perspective, Not Just Observation Unlike traditional environmental documentaries or VR simulations that let users observe animals or nature from a human standpoint, this project places users inside the lived experience of an animal, from first-person perspective such as seeing, hearing, and moving like them. Purpose-Driven Design, From Awareness to Action This project is not just immersive, it is meant to provoke ethical reflection and discussion: It includes guided post-experience reflection tools (like journals, group prompts, or AI-led dialogue) to help users process what they felt. It is positioned as a transformative tool for education, advocacy, and environmental ethics — not just entertainment or art.
Future plans
Enhance sensory realism: Add textures, breath sounds, and more lifelike animal movement mechanics to deepen embodiment. Multi-animal expansion: Develop additional narratives for animals from land, sea, and air (e.g., factory-farmed pig, sea turtle, lab-tested mouse). Pilot trials in schools, museums, and environmental organizations to assess: Emotional and ethical impact, Learning outcomes, Suit usability and accessibility, Use feedback to improve the emotional pacing, user controls, and debriefing process.
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