UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences

The volumetric sculpture, an inspirational visual metaphor of neuroscience

The UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences will set a new standard in the field by merging neuroscience research and clinical environments under the same roof. Obscura teamed up with UCSF to create the volumetric installation to present the Institute to the public as a hub for innovation and access to pioneering treatments.

Case Study   Video Password | knockknock
Project Goal — UCSF envisioned to create a communication platform to showcase the institute’s innovations that positions the institute as an industry leader. This installation re-imagine how a clinical research facility communicates to the public by giving artful voice to the scientific subject. This project is currently in production, and it will welcome visitors and staff when the building opens in May of 2020. 
My role for this project was a creative director. I was responsible for developing concept in a partnership with UCSF. I lead and manage the design development and prototype working closely with technologist, engineers, industrial designers, and animators.
Creative Director | Kaya Ono 
Executive Producer | Sherri Nevins 
Technical Producer | Jay Ho
Industrial Design Leads | Hoss Ward, Patrick Vigorito
Technical Director | Joe Martin
System Engineer | Desmond Shea
Music | purpleplanet.com
Our solution was to create a sculptural digital platform that fills the space between the exterior glass wall and the interior wall. We designed a volumetric media platform and media production pipeline. 
We created 4 volumetric content categories that symbolize the major area of innovations and research led by Weill institute. 
Volumetric content category 1: Cognitive/ pattern recognition 
Volumetric content category 2: DNA Sequencing Technology 
Volumetric content category 3: Imaging Technology 
Each volumetric content category has a collection of relevant stories in information displays locating both ends of the installation. It connects audiences to deeper dive to the institute's innovation by scanning the QR code.​​​​​​​
Prototype — A physical prototype was developed to validate our system design concept and media pipeline. 
Content Management System — Content management system allows UCSF staffs to add and edit stories displayed in the information screen. Each story  includes an image, headline, body copy, and link, and the story is paired with specific volumetric content.  
CMS prototype
CMS prototype
UX flow
UX flow
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