What is STREAM?
STREAM (Synchronous Tools for Realtime Experiential Activity Management) is a suite of tools designed to support the streamlined delivery of co-present and high-fidelity extended reality (XR) experiences to mass audiences. The project is developed by Marshmallow Laser Feast, All Seeing Eye and The VR Lab at the Digital Cultures Research Centre, University of the West of England (UWE Bristol).
At present, there is a critical barrier to effectively offering the immersive industry high-quality, real-time content alongside high audience or user numbers. STREAM looks to address this issue through an investigation into removing technical dependency on key hardware in the delivery of location-based experiences, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of the tools through industry-leading user-centred testing.
This research applies to all stakeholders in Location Based VR and the broader immersive sector. The tools will shift industry standards for delivering immersive location-based experiences, with impact across entertainment, visitor experience, arts & culture and beyond.
The project’s industrial research and outputs will provide vital insight for the region to build on through future work with immersive technology and provide a new, more inclusionary and viable commercial model for immersive content delivery.
An insight into Marshmallow Laser Feast
Marshmallow Laser Feast is an experiential art collective working in the liminal space between art, technology and the natural world. The collective creates specific visual languages that expand perception and inform our lived experiences. Their approach has earned them a reputation for creating the seemingly impossible—for producing experiences that push boundaries, redefine expectations and excite audiences worldwide.
An insight into All Seeing Eye
All Seeing Eye is a highly regarded team of designers, artists and engineers who build unparalleled immersive and communal experiences. They have worked unrelentingly in the industry for over 15 years, developing highly meaningful and impactful immersive work.
More about the collaboration
The University of the West of England (UWE) is a university focused on solving future global challenges through outstanding learning, world-leading research and a culture of enterprise. The research lead for this project is Verity McIntosh, Senior Lecturer in Virtual and Extended Realities, member of UWE’s Digital Cultures Research Centre, and Director of the university’s VR Lab