Flow Lab

The Flow Lab is an interactive experience that highlights the functionality of our sprinklers. In this case, we are specifically highlighting the functionality of the VK 3001. This project has two primary goals: one is to engage users at trade shows and interest them in our products, and the other is to give users a better understanding of abstract concepts, such as obstruction, shadowing, and flow rate. The target audience is someone already knowledgeable about sprinklers but may need some help filling in the gaps. 

It needs to run on the Meta Quest 2 and HTC Vive

It should be an accurate representation of the VK 3001 through all rated pressures

Users should come away with a better understanding of select NFPA regulations

Users should come away with a better understanding of the interaction between obstructions and fire suppression sprinklers

The appearance of the sprinkler effect for the VK 3001 was quite satisfactory. When compared against a reference, the particle effect is surprisingly comparable. The portrayals of shadowing and regulations were also very well received by users; manipulating the sprinkler's flow was fun and elucidating. I am quite proud of what I was able to achieve with this effect. The overall appearance isn't groundbreaking, but it is efficient, accurate, and effectively conveys the necessary concepts. It meets the constraints of the project quite well.

This project was largely experimental, and because of that, some of the things we tried were less successful than others. The spray pattern visualization ( the purple halo ) and the density visualizer had an unclear purpose for most users. I would like to see them limited or cut altogether in future iterations unless a better use case can be articulated. 

Additionally, the final NFPA regulation demonstrated in this project needs revision. This project is at its strongest when users actively manipulate the flow of water from the sprinkler. This increases understanding of the way obstructions interact with sprinklers, plus it's just fun to do. The final regulation does not allow the user to move the obstruction into the path of the sprinkler, which makes it feel broken and leaves the user confused.

This project reiterated the need for feedback for the user. Our users were often left confused when they didn't have some clear visual feedback. The inclusion of confirmative haptics helped dispel some of this confusion, but users primarily relied on seeing the results actions. As I said in the previous section, this project is at its best when it lets users actively manipulate the flow of water, and it is at its worst when it prevents the user from doing so. In future iterations, I plan to lean into this aspect to increase the impact of this project. And I plan to carry this principle forward into my future work.