Case Study: Development of Immersive VR Experience for Jotun Hull Skating Solutions
- Saahil mohan
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
Updated: May 12
Client Introduction
Jotun Hull Skating Solutions (HSS) is a pioneering solution provider in marine maintenance and protection. With a strong focus on sustainability, Jotun offers advanced technologies designed to ensure the longevity and performance of ships by preventing biofouling on hull surfaces.
"Bricks and Pixels is proud to collaborate with Jotun, blending innovation and craftsmanship to bring exceptional design visions to life."
Client Requirements Analysis:
Concept :
The concept revolved around creating an immersive virtual reality experience for marketing at expos, specifically designed to engage visitors and clients about Jotun's Hull Skating Solutions. The objective was to transport users into an underwater environment where they could witness the Hull Skater in action as it cleaned the ship hull.
The experience aimed to visually and audibly captivate the audience by simulating real-world conditions beneath the sea, combined with detailed animations of the Hull Skater's operations. By allowing users to "dive" beneath the ship and watch the machine in action, the experience effectively demonstrated the advanced technology and efficiency of the Jotun Hull Skating System
Goal: To create a visually stunning, technically optimized, and immersive VR experience for an expo, effectively showcasing Jotun’s innovative Hull Skating Solutions within a two-week timeline.
Target: To engage and educate maritime industry professionals, stakeholders, and potential clients about the critical challenges of hull biofouling and how it impacts ship efficiency through VR content.
Technical Requirements: .apk File which can be installed in a Meta Quest 2
A realistic 3D environment depicting a sea ship and underwater scene.
Detailed 3D models of the Jotun Hull Skating Machine, illustrating its working mechanism and deep-cleaning process.
Audio effects and English voiceover narration to enhance engagement.
A total experience time of 5 minutes.
Technical support for installing the experience on Meta Quest 2 VR headsets within two weeks.
Process Breakdown:
1. Storyboarding and Client Approval
The storyboarding process began with brainstorming sessions to visualize the user’s journey through the VR experience. The key focus was to create a smooth narrative flow that highlighted the functionality of the Hull Skating System. After client approval of the visual storyboard, we moved to production.
2. Scene Creation in Unreal Engine 5.4
To bring the storyboard to life, we created a realistic sea scene, both above and underwater. Key components included:
Commercial Ship Model: Accurately modeled to represent real-world commercial vessels.
Jotun Hull Skater: A detailed 3D model showcasing the innovative solution.
Real-time Water Simulation: Created to provide dynamic and realistic ocean visuals from both above and underwater perspectives.
3. Animation Development
Hull Skater Animation: We closely observed the real-time movement and working mechanism of the Hull Skating Machine. This research guided the animation process.
Sequencer Implementation: Using the UE5 Sequencer, we meticulously animated the skater’s movement by precisely timing each action to mirror real-world operation .This required setting keyframes for accurate speed and direction changes, ensuring fluid and realistic motion. The animations were layered with secondary movements for mechanical parts, simulating intricate operational details. Synchronizing these elements created a visually engaging and technically accurate representation of the Hull Skater’s inspection and cleaning process.
Camera Rig-Rail: Set up to follow a specific inspection path, capturing dirt on the ship’s hull.
Microfouling Cleaning: Motion graphics were used to visually depict the cleaning process.
Heavy Antifouling Treatment: High-detail meshes, materials, and decals were applied to demonstrate the removal process.
4. Scene Setup and Finalization
All animations and scenes were refined for visual and technical quality, ensuring a seamless experience.
5. 360 Rendering Process
The most time-consuming phase involved 360-degree rendering
Rendering Approach: We used the Unreal rendering system to render high-resolution 360 images.
Rendering Details: Simultaneously rendered six different camera views, stitching them into a single 360-degree image.
Output: Approximately 5,400 frames were rendered over three continuous days.
6. Video Compilation and Audio Integration
Video Compilation: The rendered frames were compiled into a seamless 360 VR video.
Audio Design: Voiceover and background music were added for an engaging experience. An AI speech converter was used for the voiceover.
7. VR Integration and Interactivity
To enhance user engagement, interactivity features were added:
Custom Inputs and Blueprints: Developed to provide play, pause, and replay options.
APK Creation: Built the final experience as an APK for Meta Side Quest.
Testing and Final Touches: Thorough testing ensured a polished and bug-free experience
Challenges and Solutions:
Tight Deadline: Achieving high-quality output within two weeks required meticulous planning and team dedication.
360 Rendering Complexity: Continuous rendering for three days.
Interactivity Requirements: Custom blueprints and inputs were efficiently developed for VR integration.
Results and Milestones Achieved:
Delivered a fully immersive and interactive VR experience within two weeks.
Successfully demonstrated the advanced features of Jotun Hull Skating Solutions
Engaged expo visitors through a captivating narrative and high-quality visuals.
Achieved seamless VR integration with interactivity options.
Conclusion:
This project showcased the power of immersive VR storytelling to communicate complex technological solutions effectively. Through careful planning, research, and client collaboration, the team of three expert artists delivered a high-quality experience within a challenging timeline, setting a benchmark for future VR projects.
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