The benefits of immersive experiences

Immersive experiences, such as virtual reality (VR), may seem relatively new but the first VR headset was actually developed in 1968, although it was quite primitive. From the 70s to the 90s, virtual reality was mainly used for flight simulation, military training, and in certain medical settings.

 

As the technology has become more affordable and accessible over the years, there are a number of charities using this innovative technology in a variety of ways – from fundraising to service delivery and even virtual tours of buildings.

 

As reported in Tech trends for charities in 2022, VR became more widely used during COVID-19 and the trend is likely here to stay.

 

 

What is an immersive experience?

 

Essentially, an immersive experience allows the user to experience something deeply and realistically – whether that’s through 360 video or virtual reality.

 

 

How charities are using immersive experiences

 

There are so many examples of charities using immersive experiences in imaginative ways. Some are using it to fundraise, raise awareness, support beneficiaries, as a learning tool and even to thank donors. Here are a few examples.

 

 

Supporting beneficiaries

 

St Luke’s Hospice in Plymouth used VR, provided by a local company, to help make a patient’s dream come true. Matthew had always wanted to dive off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and – thanks to VR technology – the charity was able to make that wish come true for him whilst he was at the hospice.

 

 

Fundraising

 

Using VR or 360 video for fundraising can be highly effective as it transports the viewer into a different world and can help create a deeper understanding of the need. It can help create a feeling of empathy and inspire people to donate.

 

In 2016, charity:water produced a VR video which told the story of 13-year-old Selam from Ethiopia. Told over six days, the viewer follows Selam as she goes to collect water every day from a dirty pond, attends school and teaches her little brother math at home. Then something magical happens –  her community is transformed by clean water from charity:water and the viewer witnesses the joy it brings to them.

 

Viewers can immerse themselves in Selam’s world and feel as though they are there with her, experiencing clean water for the first time. It’s powerful storytelling.

 

 

VR as a learning tool

 

The National Autistic Society used VR as a way to help educate people about what ‘too much information’ is like for autistic people. Often autistic children are viewed as ‘naughty’ by members of the public when they witness them having a meltdown or shutdown, when actually they are experiencing anxiety, overwhelm and panic.

 

In shopping centres around the country, 8,000 people experienced their VR film, which was also set in a shopping centre. The aim was to show people what a ‘normal, every day’ experience, such as being in a shopping centre, was actually like for 11-year-old Alex who is autistic. The VR experience was part of a wider campaign, which ran for three years with the aim to increase people’s understanding of autism.