"Virtual Embryo" Exhibit 3D Animation

Project Description

Silver Oaks teamed up with the genetics experts at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry to revamp the museum’s Virtual Embryo exhibit. Initially charged with the task of modifying the existing display, our team recognized the potential for a more interactive and educational user-experience with the integration of touchscreen technology and stunning 3D animations. Using the existing content as a point of reference, we created a new 4-minute interactive experience that explains the role of master control genes and highlights the major milestones of embryonic development in the first eight weeks of human pregnancy.

Bridging the gap between outside the womb and the chromosome level, Silver Oaks utilized a dynamic combination of color morphing footage of fetal development, a black and white edited sequence of embryonic development, and 3D animation – literally immersing the user into a virtual realm through fast-paced dive down and zooming sequences into the body and along strands of unwinding DNA.

In addition to producing the content, Silver Oaks also designed and coordinated the production of exhibit signage, graphics and electronics. Programmed for DVD and formatted for wide screen, the interactive program is controlled by a touchscreen monitor that also projects the image on a large concave screen.