Here's a step-by-step look at how we created the immersive experience.
The METX team was tasked with creating an immersive and educational VR tour of the mansion. After two months of distanced learning, we set out to capture footage in small groups and shifts.
Over the course of five days, the CAGD team compiled a series of lidar scans and 360 degree videos to digitally replicate the mansion and 12 of its most important historical artifacts. While the architecture was recreated with lidar, artifacts such as John Bidwell’s sword were captured through white light scanning and photogrammetry and later digitally replicated.
Image: Jason Halley, Chico State
The J&PR team conducted further research on Bidwell Mansion’s history and wrote content to accompany the artifacts highlighted in the VR experience. As the user tours the mansion in VR, they have to find the artifacts hidden in each room. Once found, the artifact appears in 3D on the screen. The user can activate text and audio to learn about each historical artifact as well as rotate the object to view it from all sides. Once the object is found, it gets stored in the user’s journal with the goal to collect all 12 artifacts hidden in the immersive experience.
In the early stages of the development, the METX team discussed the best ways to utilize technology in creating and distributing our product. We found that simplicity and accessibility go hand in hand. Visitors, educators and students are our primary audiences. We ensured that our VR experience can be accessed through the user’s smartphone paired with the Cardboard App.
Ultimately, the biggest challenge faced across all three METX teams was working and collaborating within the bounds of the pandemic. The writing, filming, and editing processes became more time consuming under these restrictions. By setting weekly goals and digitally sharing all gathered information and materials, we were able to create an accessible product that reflects the brand and experience of Bidwell Mansion.
Image: Jason Halley, Chico State
The VR experience works with Cardboard compatible Android smartphones.
Download the VR experience.
Sideload instructions to help get it on your smartphone.