THARSIS is an interactive exhibit where you can walk on Mars and complete a mission for NASA. The exhibit uses 3D Holograms and interactive projection mapping to simulate a realistic Mars environment in the Tharsis region. Visitors get to learn about space and geology, then they can take home DIY resources so they can continue their mission.
This project can also be explored at: tharsis.cias.rit.edu
Promotional Material
The Exhibit
A transparent LCD screen is used to overlay 2D motion graphics and 3D printed "space rocks", creating a more dynamic and immersive geology lesson.
This panel is displayed at the entrance to the exhibit and creates an initial beacon to draw visitors in.
Simple holograms are created by positioning plexiglass forms over flat TV screens.
The projection's placement was inspired by the decor of amusement park lines, adding to the futuristic atmosphere as you transitioned from the exhibit entrance to the main projection area.
The core of our exhibit is the projection mapping area. Visitors are immersed in a simulated Mars landscape and are encouraged to interact with physical buttons that take the form of Martian rocks. Through exploring the space and interacting with buttons in the terrain, visitors trigger animations that teach them about the landscape they are standing in.
At the end of the exhibit, visitors have the opportunity to take stickers, postcards, and DIY hologram kits to take home with them. Throughout the day we handed out 800 stickers, 500 postcards, and 650 holograms to our explorers!
Behind the Scenes
Our team:
Chris Locke - Manager and 3D Designer
Becky Drexler - UI/UX and Motion Designer
Stacey Yip and Emily Tichonuk - Industrial Designers
Dale Payne - Identity Designer
Sara Nuffer and Bre Marshall - Designer/Researchers
Doug Andrews and Jasmine Ruan - Developers
Special thanks to Adam Smith and Sten McKinzie.
