W (Double U)

*Taking a walk into each other's head...

W (Double U) is an immersive experiment for two immersants. It is based on the 'head-swap' technology developed by EDM/CREW. Each of the participants receives a helmet which allows him to see the environment around the other one’s head. They both have to find their way in public space. Can they still believe their own eyes? Their field of view is no longer their own, but the other's. Suddenly a simple walk becomes an intense experience.

The technology used in 'W' has been developed by EDM, the Expertise Centre for Digital Media at the Hasselt university and CREW. The omnidirectional videosystem, consisting of videogoggles, a camera and a headtracking sensor, allows one participant to send the other his camerafeed and vice versa. The experience takes place on several levels: a sense of 'double space', i.e. public versus personal space, the clash between physical and virtual space and, last but not least, the schizofrenic relationship with your immersive counterpart.