Work
- Unity3D Programming
- Interaction Design
- UI/UX
Date
01/2019
Overview
This project involved the design and development of five large-scale interactive installations for the M9 Museum in Mestre, Italy — a landmark institution dedicated to showcasing the 20th century’s impact on Italian society, culture, and industry. Specifically located in Section A04, “Economy, Work, Production and Wellbeing,” these installations illustrate the profound modernization of Italy’s economic and production systems, highlighting the country’s industrial evolution and its effects on everyday life.
Design Philosophy
The installations were conceived to be highly interactive, educational, and intuitive, transforming passive observation into active participation. Developed entirely with Unity3D, the project focused on delivering seamless usability and engaging content for a diverse audience. A carefully crafted vintage Look & Feel reinforces the historical theme, while dynamic performances and responsive design ensure modern standards of interactivity and accessibility.
F.I.A.T. Interactive Stations
Three installations recreate key moments of the FIAT automobile production line, inviting visitors to take part in the assembly process. Using Leap Motion sensors, participants physically engage with simulated tasks such as Pressing, Welding, and Painting. This immersive approach allows users to better understand the precision, timing, and coordination required in industrial manufacturing, turning an iconic chapter of Italian industry into a hands-on educational game.
The Blast Furnace
At the heart of Section A04 stands The Blast Furnace, a large-scale interactive installation featuring a long multiplayer table with four “hot” monitors. Up to four participants simultaneously assume distinct industrial roles — such as controlling a Crucible, a Conveyor Train, or a Cutter — and must coordinate actions with precise timing to keep the virtual production process running smoothly. This cooperative gameplay captures the intensity and teamwork essential to heavy industry, reinforcing the museum’s mission to make history tangible and engaging.
Laner Rossi Textile Experience
Three more installations are dedicated to Laner Rossi, one of Italy’s most important textile factories. As with the FIAT stations, Leap Motion sensors let users interact directly with simulated textile processes including Carding, Spinning, and Weaving. By virtually stepping into the roles of textile workers, visitors gain insight into the craftsmanship, rhythm, and collaborative nature of Italy’s textile industry — a key pillar of the nation’s economic and cultural heritage.
Technical Highlights
- Developed entirely in Unity3D with real-time optimization for smooth, multi-user interactions.
- Custom Leap Motion integration for natural gesture-based controls.
- Dynamic content pipelines enabling easy updates to visuals and interactive elements.
- Vintage-inspired Look & Feel balanced with modern performance standards to ensure accessibility and immersion.
Impact and Significance
By blending historical storytelling with immersive technology, the M9 installations offer visitors an engaging way to experience Italy’s industrial past. These projects exemplify how museums can harness VR and gesture-based interactivity to educate, inspire, and connect audiences with the past in a tactile, memorable way.
