Redweb step into virtual reality with Cancer Research UK

Redweb are pleased to announce that they have collaborated with longstanding client Cancer Research UK to explore the world of virtual reality. Cancer Research UK, the world’s leading cancer charity and client of Redweb’s since 2013, approached the leading UK digital agency in August 2015 to assist them with creating a virtual tour of their labs.

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Having previously designed their homepage, Redweb once again partnered with Cancer Research UK to develop the virtual lab tour, a first for the charity sector. Redweb paired with interactive developers, Surround Vision; and virtual reality solutions company, Vitae VR, to produce the three and a half minute tour. Redweb’s creative team were charged with creating the story and creative vision for the tour and project managed the overall development of the video. Moving from basic biology to clinical trials, the video uses virtual reality technology to deliver a 360 degree, immersive viewing experience from the Manchester Institute.

The tour gives viewers the opportunity to see how money from supporters helps life-saving research first-hand. Holograms are used throughout the tour to enhance the narrative, and viewers can also interact with a microscope and look at the type of cell samples, from a piece of tissue to inside the nucleus of a single cancer cell, that Cancer Research UK uses to discover and test new treatments.

Cancer Research UK gives around 10,000 of their supporters the opportunity to see inside one of their 20 research centres and institutes each year, but they can only be offered to a limited number of people. They hope to make their lab tours accessible to the public using a free mobile app, giving everyone the opportunity to find out more about their work from the comfort of their homes.

Although still in the early stages of being tested, feedback has been extremely positive. Michael Docherty, director of digital at Cancer Research UK said: “We are hugely excited to be using this virtual reality to bring to life our vital research. Cancer Research UK does not receive any government funding and relies on the generosity of the public to help us bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. This virtual lab tour is another way in which we are bringing the public and our supporters closer to that life-saving research, while continuing to lead the sector in exploring and adopting innovative technology.”

Redweb Account Executive, Max Lee says of the collaboration: “We’re really proud to be working with Cancer Research UK again on such an interesting and important project. From a technical point of view, we’re excited to be working with cutting edge products that will help further the charity’s work. There’s definitely a lot of benefits gained from the world of virtual reality and it’s been great to see charities utilising the innovative digital technologies out there.”