5 Virtual Reality in Events: Tomorrowland
Sara-Jane Kickham and Dr Noëlle O'Connor
Programme: Business Studies with Event Management
Module: Event Design
Year: 2
Aim: to introduce Event Design students to immersive experiences that showcase festival events.
Learning Outcomes linked to the VR activity:
- Assess the principles of design theory and creative techniques.
- Demonstrate knowledge of event theming and design.
- Review the categories of décor and the use of special effects at events.
- Analyse the types of entertainment available for events and understand the management of these resources.
Description of the VR activity:
Virtual Reality headsets were used during a one-hour class. Initially, a short briefing was conducted, and students were asked about their knowledge of VR – this varied within the group. This was followed by some ‘games’ to increase confidence and familiarity with the technology before a VR experience in the immersive 360o video of the Tomorrowland Music Festival.
Student Reflections:
“As someone who had never used VR. I absolutely loved it. It was an incredible experience, it took an adjustment with the controllers and and navigating but once I got into it; It was amazing, from the introduction into it have you an insight into the possibilities of VR. I would recommended using the headsets to anyone, and even considering purchasing one for myself.”
Lecturer’s Reflections:
“This was a fantastic opportunity for students to be immersed in technology that they normally use just for gaming. It was a very practical exercise, giving students an opportunity to explore an event that they were not able to attend in person. They could wander around the event site and review the site design and décor, linking back to the topics being covered in the event design module and the event production module for the next semester”.
