Beyond the Bones: Exploring ancient life through VR

Projekte Augmented and Virtual Reality Design

Step into a high-tech lab and uncover fossil secrets through hands-on research in this immersive VR experience

A project by Karam Alsawaftah, Kim-Sophia Kober, Linus Ziesel, Mohammed Najm & Riccardo “Ricci” Ligouri
Supervised by Prof. Dr. Frank Gabler & Prof. Philip Hausmeier
Project done in Study Semester 3 | Winter 2024/2025

About Project

Beyond the Bones is an educational VR experience that redefines fossil exploration by placing visitors into the role of a modern-day paleontologist. Built for the Meta Quest and developed using Unity, the project is centered around the Psittacosaurus Mongoliensis fossil from the Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt. Users are transported into a futuristic research lab, equipped with a range of interactive tools such as scanners, electron microscopes, and precision measurement devices—all designed to let users investigate fossil structures hands-on.

The goal is to move beyond passive viewing. Players are invited to engage in scientific inquiry as they uncover the backstory and biological significance of ancient fossils through carefully designed tasks and interactions. With a vertical slice as the foundation, the VR setting not only supports independent exploration but also uses visual and audio cues to gently guide users without breaking immersion.

The experience was designed with a balance in mind—combining gamification and scientific accuracy. One major challenge was maintaining clarity while still allowing for autonomy. The team solved this by integrating user-friendly interaction flows supported by feedback systems that adapt to the user's actions.

By encouraging players to “revive” prehistoric life through digital interpretation, Beyond the Bones bridges the gap between science and storytelling. It’s a strong example of how VR can make educational content dynamic, memorable, and deeply engaging. Plans for future expansion include additional fossil studies, advanced simulation tools, and broader curriculum support to expand both reach and relevance.