With the Senses of a Spider

An arachnocentric Experience

Institut für Designforschung (IDE)

Zürcher Hochschule der Künste, Knowledge Visualization

The research project develops and evaluates a prototypical virtual reality experience to convey sensory perception (airflow and vibration perception) as well as selected action sequences (hunting behavior) of the tiger wandering spider (Cupiennius salei). The experience and learning environment is intended to raise awareness for the value of life and the preservation of biodiversity beyond the imparting of knowledge.

The research setup project is based on the VR film of the MA thesis "With the Senses of a Spider". The project focuses on first prototypes to test first how the spider protagonist can be interactively controlled by users, and second how the sense of airflow with the air currents emitted by insects can be made sensually perceptible/experienceable for users. Furthermore, a psychological evaluation of the VR film by students of ZHAW is aimed at. Further the VR experience will be conceptually further developed with regard to interaction and playful elements. In this way, foundations are laid to enable the realization of the project in the exhibition context on the one hand, and to continue the research on the psychological effect of the spider perspective and the transfer of knowledge with VR via third-party funding applications on the other hand.