29th May 2020

Phase 2 of our LEO I virtual reality project is now go!

We've released our invitation to tender for the opportunity to develop our planned virtual LEO I. More details are available on our news page.

The VR workstream is one of the most innovative parts of our lottery funded LEO project. We will be developing an application so people can explore the LEO I installation virtually, as it appeared in Cadby Hall, Hammersmith, London in the period c1955,-64 with the aim of raising public awareness and pride in this important, uniquely British heritage.

We've spent the first year of the project researching the first LEO, sourcing in particular photographic evidence that can tell us about the machine (see our development 'app'), and undertaking initial development work to increase our understanding of the tools available for harnessing VR to enhance access to museum collections. We now know that sufficient detail about the first LEO exists, that it is feasible for a relatively small museum like ourselves to make use of VR to help visitors explore this landmark machine and have secured funding to take the project forward - so we are now able to offer the opportunity to tender for building the VR LEO.

We are seeking a contractor/consultant to:

• Design and build an interactive virtual environment that allows users to explore the  LEO I installation (c1955-64) using a VR based PC application to run on Oculus Rift that provides access to the virtual environment as a first-person VR experience.
• Create a Mobile App for use on tablet sized devices that ideally would be deployed on both Apple iOS and Android platforms. These will include static content, telling the LEO I story and provide context, plus access to the virtual environment as a first-person experience that can be explored without the use of a VR headset.

Take a look at our news page and spread the word!