A VR mission where players rescue an injured Atolla Jellyfish while learning about its habitat and biology.
A project by Mykyta Pasternatskyi, Danylo Vynogradskyi, Daniila Nazarkin, Mirabella Hohenlohen-Langenburg and Julong Yan
3. Semester, 2025
Supervised by Prof. Dr. Frank Gabler and Prof. Philip Hausmeier
Augmented and Virtual Reality Design
Atolla Rescue is a narrative-driven VR experience that combines entertainment with marine education. Designed as a potential exhibit for the Senckenberg Museum, the project targets users aged 12 to 20, immersing them in the mysterious world of the Atolla Jellyfish. From the start, players take on the role of a marine biologist embarking on their first mission aboard a submarine.
Guided by the onboard AI, users are introduced to the tools and systems needed to navigate the deep sea. The turning point comes when a mysterious and damaged Atolla jellyfish is discovered. The mission: transport this delicate creature safely back to its habitat while learning about its unique biology, environmental role, threats it faces, and survival strategies along the way.
To ensure accessibility for younger users, the interaction model emphasizes simple mechanics like button-pressing and lever-pulling, avoiding free-form locomotion. Submarine travel is automated, maintaining immersion while reducing complexity and motion sickness. As players progress, the emotional bond with the jellyfish deepens, leveraging VR’s power to evoke empathy and retention.
The project spans four months of development—combining research, concept design, and production. By eliminating the need for traditional reading or instruction, Atolla Rescue creates a seamless, memorable bridge between education and digital storytelling. It demonstrates how VR can spark curiosity, promote environmental awareness, and turn learning into a heartfelt underwater adventure.
