General description of installation:
The general idea behind our installation is to show two sides of space travel. Our goal is to show the user negative and positive aspects of alone, and to let them decide which they resonate with more. We will do this by creating a dark space which the user enters in order to simulate isolation and to highlight the feeling of being alone.
Phases:
There are 7 phases in our experience map. Next to each phase there is a description of the emotion, its intensity, the user and system action.
User action:
Before taking any active action the user first gets informed on our installation. Then, they put on an astronaut helmet that helps get them more immersed in the experience. In phases 3 and 5 the user simply has to observe the digital installation, but in phase 4 they have the control to switch between the two sides by pushing the button. In phase 6 the user has to interact with the display by selecting whether they want to stay in space or go back. At the end the user leaves the installation space with something to reflect on as they exit the dark room into the light. In our experience map the phases alternate between an inactive and active action.
Mindsets or emotions:
We aim to make the user experience a rollercoaster of emotions. In our experience map this journey starts even before the user enters the installation space. In order to avoid scaring the user away, we want them to become curious in the installation beforehand so that they are already invested. The user will experience the negative side first as it makes an impactful first impression. The switch from the negative to the positive other side leaves the user feeling confused, but by pushing the button that switches the system they remain in control in order to balance these emotions. The user then experiences the positive side as an unexpected turn. Lastly, they have to make a theoretical decision, whether they want to stay in space or go back to Earth. This question is given in the end to make the user reflect on the experience.
System actions:
The system is activated automatically when the user enters the space so that they are immediately immersed in the experience. The system runs for the first part until the user presses a button in order to reveal the other side when the system switches the display. In the sixth phase the system displays a question and the user has to decide whether they want to stay in space or go back to Earth. Other ideas for system actions in phases 3-5 include a touch screen, zooming in/out and providing facts about the universe based on user interaction. Throughout the entire experience the system will simulate the feeling of being alone in space by stimulating different senses in an attempt to apply suspension of disbelief. Some possibilities include a ventilator to lower the temperature or simulating lack of oxygen and air pressure. This is an important aspect as none of the users have traveled to space and it is something that does not seem like a possibility to them.
Key components of an Experience Map:
(1) Phases
Define the different phases in the experience of the installation. be more precise (build up)