09

"A Short Dive" Hackathon

Insight

Our VR experience visualizes the Baltic Sea’s environmental crisis through an interactive dive based on real research. An guide then helps users discover how they can personally contribute. The goal: Turn awareness into action.


We won in 2 categories at the #XRCC, Europe's biggest XR hackathon! One for the Best Use of #Mattercraft (a cool #WebXR tool) and second for the Best App in #Meta's Mixed Reality Track.

Deliverables

3D Assets

Building the Narrative

Immersive Website Build with Mattercraft

Industry

Immersive storytelling

Location

Berlin

Webseite

VR Websit

Year

2025

Company

Meta, Mattercraft

Info

We are developing an immersive VR experience that raises awareness about the environmental challenges facing the Baltic Sea. The project is based on real, current scientific research and data from marine conservation teams and diving missions.

The experience begins with an interactive, visually rich infographic-style dive. Users are immersed in the underwater world of the Baltic Sea, where they witness its current condition and understand the key ecological threats — including nutrient pollution, oxygen depletion, and the spread of so-called dead zones. Through interactive visuals, sounds, and guided narration, complex processes are made understandable and emotionally tangible.

After this exploration, users engage in a dialogue with an AI-powered guide, driven by a large language model. This AI helps users reflect on how they — in their own personal context — can contribute to protecting the Baltic Sea. The experience is intentionally personalized, offering practical, meaningful suggestions based on each user’s background, profession, or lifestyle.

The goal is to transform passive information into active awareness and empower users to take concrete actions in their real lives. This VR experience combines science, technology, and storytelling to create an impactful learning journey designed for young VR users, museums, exhibitions, and educational spaces.

My Part

I co-developed the narrative with Johannes, designed the 3D assets, and created the visuals for the trailer. My focus was on concept development and the spatial computing interface, ensuring clarity, intuitive navigation, and seamless virtual-physical integration.

Team

Johannes Fuchs (Storyteller)

Farah Zehra (Programming)

Benito Zenz (Programming)

Tim Kümmel (3d Assets / interaction design )