The Gulf Coast Exploreum recently debuted their new exhibit “My BodyWorks,” the most technologically advanced health sciences exhibit in the United States. The exhibit consists of over 2,000 square feet of exhibits including more than 50 interactive exhibits and a fully functional bio-lab. The heart of the exhibit hall is the Ernest G. DeBakey Virtual Surgery Center – and the centerpiece of the Virtual Surgery Center is Somerset’s Virtual Surgery Program.

This multi-screen interactive experience allows visitors to assist in either a knee joint replacement or coronary heart. Working closely with medical professionals and Exploreum personnel to ensure accuracy and continuity with the overall exhibit experience, Somerset created the touch screen based program using 3D computer animation.

“This program represents a milestone in both design and programming for Somerset.” stated Dr. Carol Rives, Somerset’s COO. “The program is anatomically accurate, but without the blood and gore, which makes it appealing to the audience while still maintaining a level of realism sufficient to give the experience a feeling of authenticity.” The program combines animation sequences with user interaction, which allows the user to manipulate instruments and perform tasks when prompted by the program’s narrator.

“This is version 1.0 of the program.” says Brad Cockrell the project’s lead designer. “We have begun working with wireless technology and some 3D tools to take the experience to the next level. Our plan is to make this a fully immersive experience giving the user much greater control and fuller participation.”

The new exhibit has been a hit since its opening in January, with over 55,000 attendees to date. And the feedback from the Exploreum’s staff and docents has been very positive for this and the other interactive systems Somerset created for this exhibit.