Creative, Collaborative, and Communicative: Storytelling and Community Building in VR
INTERVSE creates a virtual universe called ViterbiVrse
Leverage technology to lower barriers to access, stimulate inclusive practices and pedagogies.
Co-curricular partnership since 2017 with USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC VIterbi School of Engineering
Embedded classroom innovation
Trains communication through Theater Arts techniques of improvisational speaking, storytelling, and dialogue creation, through dynamic interaction and role-playing in a completely virtual environment.
Grant project funded by the Engineering Information Foundation
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PROJECT:
Improv for Engineers
Developed in partnership with Medtronic and the University Hospital of Bern, MediScene transformed remote medical training during COVID-19. The platform created an interactive VR operating theater where surgical professionals worldwide could learn complex procedures through spatial interaction rather than passive observation.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:
Partnership with Medtronic International and the University Hospital of Bern
Multi-phase development with iterative prototyping and testing
Interactive hotspots on 8+ machine components with detailed specifications
10+ animated procedural sequences for equipment assembly
Avatar instructor system for guided learning
Dual delivery: web streaming and VR (Oculus Quest 2)
Photorealistic 3D modeling with exact material specifications
Custom presentation tools for medical educators
TECHNICAL APPROACH:
Extensive storyboarding of surgical procedures
Detailed 3D modeling of complex medical equipment
Interactive component isolation and examination
Real-time information graphics and data visualization
PROJECT:
Medi Scene
The Challenge
The Challenge: When travel restrictions and hospital access limitations made traditional surgical training impossible, Medtronic needed a way to teach medical professionals how to use their complex Quantum heart-lung machine system.
Interactive Learning System: We created a photorealistic virtual operating theater featuring Medtronic's Quantum system with interactive hotspots on every component. Students could select individual parts, such as ventilation modules, roller pumps, and diagnostic systems, examine them in detail, and understand their function within the larger system.
Animated Procedural Training: Built step-by-step animated sequences showing complex assembly procedures: connecting oxygenators, routing cardioplegia lines, setting up venous reservoirs. Each animation demonstrated proper technique while information graphics displayed critical specifications.
Presentation Tools: Medical educators could disassemble the machine into constituent parts, floating them above the operating table for group discussion, display teaching slides on the virtual operating room walls, and guide students through procedures with interactive prompts.
Dual Delivery Modes: Web-based live streaming for immediate access and full VR training sessions on Oculus Quest 2 for immersive spatial learning.
