Responses by Jam3

Background: Jam3 and Rogue Productions’s interactive documentary Nuclear Dissent is a cautionary tale about nuclear testing, told through the lens of the activists that helped change history. By exploring the weapons tests, protests and propaganda, this documentary uncovers how the protest movement brought nuclear testing to an end, inspiring people to take action. Nuclear Dissent speaks to those who are interested in history, interactive documentaries, storytelling and emerging technology.

Highlights: Each of the five video chapters ends with an interactive feature that allows users to experience a dynamic 360-degree panorama across different landscapes: land, underwater, amidst riots and afloat in the fallout zone. The 360-degree environments are filled with journals, evidence and artifacts to bring the deadly damages of nuclear destruction to light. The all-white washover effect symbolizes x-ray vision and the invisible dangers of radioactivity.

Challenges: As Nuclear Dissent is an account of true historical events that involved delicate sensitivities around the subject, it was challenging to tell this story in the most neutral, unbiased way. As an interactive documentary, the purpose of Nuclear Dissent is to educate and inspire users to take action in the present. We had to be careful when crafting the story and the interactive features to not express any particular opinions in support of or against a specific side.

Favorite details: Using creative technology to tell an untold story from the past about a global issue, and actually encourage an emotional response that drives users to act on it in the present. Every detail of the experience takes part in building a connection that goes beyond a simple interactive experience.

Navigational structure: We wanted to make it simple for users to access all parts of the site without a menu. The vertical navigation design also metaphorically speaks to nuclear weapons, which explode in a vertical motion.

Technical features: Nuclear Dissent can be experienced in WebVR, desktop and mobile, making it accessible to a wider audience.