In 1983, after decades of steady deterioration, John Hull became totally blind. To help him make sense of the upheaval in his life, he began documenting his experiences on audio cassettes. These original diary recordings create the basis of this interactive non-fictional narrative which is a cognitive and emotional experience of blindness. Storytelling, art direction and graphical universe form a unique and singular immersion, completed by movement tracking, spacialized sound and controller interactions.
Produced by Ex Nihilo, Arte France in co-production with Archer’s Mark. Executive Producer, Novelab Audiogaming. Supported by TFI New Media Fund and Ford Foundation – JustFilms, CNC and Région Midi-Pyrénées.
Free
Genre:
Documentary, Education
Use Case:
Humanities
Got questions on how to implement this app into your course? Email us at nexus@nyu.edu.
App Details
Gear
Supports Quest, Quest 2
Internet Connection:
Internet connection not required
Game Mode
Single User
Release Date
July 12, 2019
Space Required:
1.1 GB
Languages
English, French (France), German
Review:
Notes on Blindness is a unique and thought-provoking VR experience that takes a documentary-style approach to teach users about living without sight. The experience focuses on the audio files documenting the experiences of John M. Hull, a writer, and professor who lost his sight in the 1980s. The slow-paced nature of the VR experience is meant to be thought-provoking rather than purely entertaining.
The visuals in Notes on Blindness are minimal, composed of low poly blue wireframe models on a black background. As users turn their heads, they can pinpoint and focus on specific sounds in the environment, which adds to the immersive experience. The game's six chapters can be completed in under an hour, and each episode has a good amount of audio information describing what John Hull hears while being outside.
The VR experience's biggest strength is its ability to teach users how to be empathetic to those living without sight and how to appreciate something so integral to our everyday lives. It is a good relaxing and soothing experience that should be tried out in between more high-octane VR experiences. Overall, Notes on Blindness is a unique and educational experience that provides a valuable perspective on life without sight.
Rating: 4/5
Edited by ChatGPT