Summary "First Impressions" is based on research regarding neural development and color vision in infants
(Web Desk) – Media group "The Guardian" has launched its very own virtual reality film titled “First Impressions” which aims to explore how babies see the world during the first year of their lives.
The project is created by its own VR team. Previously, The Guardian has showcased three VR projects on Google’s mobile VR platform “Daydream View”. Moreover, it is supported by the editorial content of the Guardian’s show "Science Weekly" which is also based on visual development in infants.
Being based on the research regarding neural development and color vision in infants, First Impressions is narrated by Charles Nelson who is a PhD professor of pediatrics at Harvard.
The professor narrates the procedures of brain development which influence an infant’s behavior and social functioning, and discusses certain cases when babies are deprived of responsive care or social interaction in first six months.
As soon as the video begins, viewers can only sight fuzzy shapes and muted colors which tell how a baby sees initially. These visuals develop into colorful patterns of red, green, yellow and blue. Gradually, a 3D picture comes into notice with people and objects in focus.
While talking about the project, Nelson said, “The ability to discover the world through the eyes of a baby offers an unprecedented opportunity to really understand how they experience and see the world.”
The First Impressions executive editor Francesca Panetta believes that the film would give people a real insight into a period of crucial development. The group plans to release three more VR projects on Daydream out of which first two titled “Underworld” – virtual exploration of London’s sewer system – while the third is called “Arctic” – tour of the melting Northwest Passage.
Other publishers in the US are also fairly interested in releasing virtual reality films. The New York Times publishes daily 360 videos based on VR technology to support its reporting while Today Network also has a similar show titled “VR tually There.”
VIDEO: The full virtual reality experience of the first year of life
