The Dream of a Thrill Engineer
Do you remember the summer of 2013 when Oculus Rift was in the middle of a pivotal Kickstarter campaign to launch DK1, a widely available development kit that would propel us into a 21st-century virtual reality renaissance? Virtual reality was far from my thoughts that year. In fact, at that time, it was a medium I thought I’d never work with, with memories of my first encounter from 1992 still giving me nightmares and neck ache.
No, in 2013, I was exploring the unconscious realities we create during the act of dreaming, particularly lucid dreaming. Imagine being able to fly in your dream under your conscious control in an unconscious state. Apparently, about 51% of us have experienced such an exhilarating altered state of consciousness, but it is sporadic and unpredictable for most of us. What is much more common is our ability to incorporate stimuli from the real world into our dreams – sounds, smells, and other sensations – which can help to inform and direct our dream narrative. This dream narrative also draws from our rich resource of experiences and thoughts from the previous day.
I began to wonder whether I could get someone to experience thrill in their dreams. My idea was to choreograph a series of real sensations to be experienced by my rider during their dream state. Could I design a thrilling experience which my dreaming rider would construct and experience in their unconscious mind?
The Dream Ride Simulator
First, I’d need to know when my dream rider was in their dream state. Luckily, the most vivid dream states are often accompanied by rapid eye movement or REM. If I could detect the onset of REM, then I’d know when to start choreographing my ride stimulus. I knew REM would be accompanied by plenty of EMG activity (muscle electrical signals), and after searching through some half-baked Arduino projects and hacks, I found the technology to do it.
But what ride was I going to design for my sleeping riders to experience, and what sensations did I need to create and choreograph to achieve a thrilling experience? I needed a design context and material to draw from. Around that time, I was working with Thorpe Park. I had been invited to pitch an idea for the launch of their new Shark Hotel, which was just being designed. This presented the perfect context and the ingredients – a hotel, beds, dreaming guests with memories of roller coasters fresh in their sleepy minds.
If I could gently rock these guests as they slumbered in a fashion that would subtly mimic the motion of a ride they had just ridden as they entered into REM sleep, perhaps I could get them to re-experience rides from the day before or even dream-up their own new thrill rides, limited only by their imagination.
I started talking to friends at Middlesex University about creating a simple motion platform. My idea was to retrofit pneumatic actuators beneath bed legs. However, Middlesex became excited by the videos I showed of Stuart Platforms, 6-degree-of-motion platforms often used by flight simulators, and started imagining the many other applications we might explore together. So we formulated plans to develop a generic motion platform, which became the MDXLoco. Our first application was to be the Dream Ride Simulator.
Neurosis: The World’s First Brain-Controlled Thrill Ride
I also spoke to friends at the University of Nottingham about my ideas around sleep monitoring. This line of inquiry developed into a broader interest in the possibilities of neurological monitoring. I firmly declared this interest in the installation and performance Duality: One Body, Two Brains for the Mayhem Horror Film Festival. Duality featured the live re-animation of a brain-in-a-jar using real neurological data, which demonstrated the potential of brain-controlled installations.
We also started to discuss ways I might monitor and record the motion of a roller coaster to be replayed on a motion platform. This production technique was developed and utilized in my project V-Armchair, which became a collaboration between both universities.
What about Shark Hotel, you ask? The Dream Ride Simulator was sadly never commissioned. But all was not lost. The same year, I was approached by artist Pat Kane of The Play Ethic, who, as lead curator for Nesta, was setting up FutureFest. Pat was looking to commission new work for this innovative festival, which celebrates and explores the social and cultural implications of near-future technological advancements.
And what could say “future” more than Neurosis, the world’s first brain-controlled thrill ride, created by the world’s first Thrill Engineer? In this ride, I creatively brought together all the technical elements I’d been developing along with many more, including neuro-generative music, theatre lighting, and ride effects.
By this time, Oculus had successfully released the DK1, and, along with other early adopters, I was keen to explore the delights and imperfections this 21st-century reincarnation of virtual reality had to offer. It was a natural shift then to subsume VR into the development of Neurosis, where I started to experiment with how I might create a kind of waking dream state based on an abstract virtual world generated from each rider’s own brain data. “Ride out of your mind” was the phrase I could be heard barking at FutureFest.
Continuing the Thrill Engineering Legacy
Today, the Middlesex University research team and I are working closely with NoLimits roller coaster software developers to create real-world ride simulator capabilities for their virtual models. We’re also talking to companies like Frontier Games with titles such as Elite Dangerous and Planet Coaster – the potential to expand these brand experiences is massive.
The spectrum of opportunities that virtual reality and motion platforms are opening up will undoubtedly entertain me for many years to come. However, I’m careful to remind myself never to forget the power of human imagination and creativity held in the subconscious mind. This is a vital natural resource for any thrilling experience. The most rewarding job as a thrill engineer is finding ways to access, understand, and work with this resource inherent in us all. Yes, technology like virtual reality and motion simulators can help me in this endeavor, but technology should only ever be considered a tool, not the solution.
Would I still like to build the Dream Ride Simulator now that I have the power of virtual reality at my disposal? Hell yes! I’ve yet to experience anything in VR that comes close to the dreams I have. If you buy me a nightcap, I might tell you about them.
Exploring the Seoul Lantern Festival
Now, let’s talk about something a little more real – the Seoul Lantern Festival. This annual event, held in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, is a true feast for the senses and a must-visit for anyone seeking a thrilling and immersive cultural experience.
As I stroll through the streets of Seoul, the air is alive with the sound of traditional Korean music and the laughter of excited festival-goers. The city’s iconic landmarks, such as Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno, are transformed into a dazzling display of color and light, with thousands of lanterns of all shapes and sizes illuminating the night sky.
The attention to detail in these lanterns is truly breathtaking. From delicate paper creations depicting mythical creatures to intricate LED-lit structures that seem to dance and sway, the craftsmanship on display is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of South Korea. As I weave my way through the crowds, I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement, wondering what new and unexpected sights will greet me around every corner.
One of the highlights of the festival is the interactive lantern-making workshops, where visitors can try their hand at creating their own masterpieces. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, I learn the intricate techniques of paper-folding and lantern construction, infusing my creation with a personal touch that makes it all the more special.
But the real thrill of the Seoul Lantern Festival comes from the sense of community and shared experience. As I stand amidst the glowing lanterns, surrounded by families, friends, and strangers alike, I feel a deep connection to the cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. The laughter, the awe, the sense of wonder – it’s all palpable, and it’s a feeling that I know will stay with me long after the festival has ended.
A Thrilling Stay at the Hotel Stay Inn Seoul
Of course, no visit to the Seoul Lantern Festival would be complete without a comfortable and convenient place to call home. That’s why I highly recommend Hotel Stay Inn Seoul, a stunning hotel located just a stone’s throw away from the heart of the festival.
From the moment I step through the doors, I’m greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that instantly puts me at ease. The hotel’s sleek, modern design is a perfect complement to the rich cultural heritage of Seoul, and the attentive staff ensures that my every need is met with the utmost care and professionalism.
But what truly sets Hotel Stay Inn Seoul apart is its commitment to the thrill-seeking traveler. The hotel’s on-site amenities, such as the state-of-the-art fitness center and the serene spa, are the perfect way to recharge after a day of exploring the festival’s delights. And for those who can’t get enough of the excitement, the hotel’s concierge is always on hand to arrange thrilling excursions and activities, from helicopter tours of the city to high-speed racing experiences at the nearby Yeongam F1 Circuit.
As I settle into my luxurious suite, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the adventures that await me. With the Seoul Lantern Festival just a short walk away and the comforts of Hotel Stay Inn Seoul to return to, I know that this is going to be a trip to remember.
So, if you’re seeking a thrilling and unforgettable cultural experience, look no further than the Seoul Lantern Festival and the Hotel Stay Inn Seoul. Trust me, your inner thrill engineer will thank you.
