3D Printing and Virtual Reality Highlight Water Issues

Published on by in Technology

3D Printing and Virtual Reality Highlight Water Issues

The Oxfam team made Evelyn’s Story, a VR 360° film made together with Filmgraphics and Alt VFX, to demonstrate to viewers just what families in Kenya go through to get clean water.

uIw9JNW.jpg

Evelyn watches the Oxfam film, which she stars in, using a Samsung Gear VR headset.
Nichole Sobecki/Panos/OxfamAUS

New technologies available today such as 3D printing and virtual reality offer potential in so many ways—and when it comes to improving the lives of those struggling in developing countries, the benefits should be explored as much as possible. 

Oxfam, the well-known charity involved in efforts around the world, has now found ways to highlight the struggles other people and cultures endure for finding clean water to drink. Oxfam is also helping to create other methods to actively help with these struggles.

Set in Turkana County, the film follows Evelyn and her family as they seek something so many of us take for granted on an hourly basis in other parts of the world. Oxfam is sharing the movie through virtual reality devices, meaning that viewers are able to immerse themselves into the story as if they were actually part of it, moving through the landscape of thirst with Evelyn.

We’ve followed virtual reality for use in many recreational themes, but here Oxfam is truly using the technology to do good—and upon watching the video (see below), expect to have your heart tugged upon with surprising force. Pam Anders, Oxfam Australia Director of Public Engagement, explained in a recent interview that although this is their first time using VR to get their message out, if this effort is a success, they will continue to use the progressive—and often very popular—technology.

Oxfam has also been using 3D printing through collaborative efforts around the world, including as a first in Nepal. After the devastating earthquake in 2015, they have been using 3D printing to create water pipes and fittings, collaborating with Field Ready, as well as a local company helping with the fabrication of the pieces. Field Ready has been providing disaster relief to the area in the form of several 3D printed projects as 3D printing has been shown to help with relief efforts.

Other nonprofit organizations around the world are implementing technology such as 3D printing to make life better in third world and developing nations. With visual aids such as the Oxfam VR movie, it is hoped that citizens everywhere will now have a deeper understanding of what it is like to go thirsty on a daily basis. Discuss in the Oxfam forum at 3DPB.com.

Read full article: Financial Review

Attached link

http://www.youtube.com/embed/q4chB6hBBHg

Media

Taxonomy