ST-005-Virtual Reality for Public Engagement Final Report, July 2020

(2020) ST-005-Virtual Reality for Public Engagement Final Report, July 2020. Transportation, Department of

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Abstract

This project linked a Virtual Reality (VR) experience to the Iowa DOT’s general driver safety messaging campaign and delivered this powerful combination to the general public at the Iowa DOT’s 2018 Iowa State Fair booth and other venues. Two immersive VR displays were created: “Work Zone Safety” (by Intrans/Iowa State University’s Virtual Reality Application Center) and “Seat Belt Safety” (by the University of Iowa’s Center for Computer-Aided Design). Each is comprised of a full 3-dimensional environment, a detailed vehicle cabin, animated characters and content, and sound effects. Virtual Reality (VR) tools, unlike any other available media, have the potential of providing information with the utmost clarity and with the potential for a high rate of user knowledge retention. This project helped increase the level of understanding of public safety in transportation by delivering priority information to the public in an engaging and memorable new medium. The project also implemented Iowa DOT investments in VR content development and deployed them directly to the public realm, rather than relegating them to a “behind the scenes” internal research venue. We also adopted parts of the process of creating VR media for future applications and additional public involvement activities.