Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Ask HN: Is building an edutainment space-themed park a good idea?

news.ycombinator.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

1–10 of 32 posts

Ask HN: Is building an edutainment space-themed park a good idea?

#1

Post by _bsldld »

I am ideating on building a space park to promote STEAM subjects. It will be built with both physical infrastructure and also using AR, VR and MR. Think of it as a place where students not only have fun but learn about STEAM subjects and relate those to the practical applications in the wild.

This idea is not new. But the vision is to try to scale it commercially(once the initial project is complete) which most of the government funded parks don't do.

Would like your views on this approach of blending edutainment park with STEAM subjects. Would you encourage/support this type of project? If not, why not? If you were to build this, what would you build? Any other feedback, suggestions, comments and advice?

Also, I am open for collaborating on this project with others. If you want to join me on this journey then do send me an email: ajit.edfintech@gmail.com

I am in the UK, but also open to working with people from outside UK.

Re: Ask HN: Is building an edutainment space-themed park a good idea?

#3

Post by PaulHoule »

I like the idea of a 'VR park' where there is a changing repitoire of experiences, particularly approaching contact sports in intensity.

It is a major hassle though getting people suited up, you would go through gear pretty fast, and if people were taking falls without the direct use of their eyes some might get hurt.

Re: Ask HN: Is building an edutainment space-themed park a good idea?

#5

Post by mimixco »

VR has been "the next great thing" for at least 20 years but still isn't popular with the mainstream because of the vision and dizziness problems it creates for a lot of people, and also because the UI's have been generally terrible. I think these problems would be exacerbated by having an audience of children. It's possible that the VR stuff would get in the way of learning (at this stage in its development and acceptance) rather than contribute to it, IMHO.

DisneyQuest, Google Daydream, and Oculus have all been failures -- and DisneyQuest had Disney content and branding and was aimed squarely at kids. Also, you don't see much VR content on Steam and it's a non-starter on Xbox. These don't bode well for wide adoption of any VR product with kids.

Re: Ask HN: Is building an edutainment space-themed park a good idea?

#6

Post by _bsldld »

timthorn wrote: post #4

Is your concept different to the National Space Centre? https://spacecentre.co.uk/

Yes, similar to space centre. But as mentioned in the post, they are for some reason or the other not scaled after they are operational in one area. I want to change that.

Re: Ask HN: Is building an edutainment space-themed park a good idea?

#7

Post by _bsldld »

emteycz wrote: post #2

Don't bet on governments solving the pandemic.

Pandemic is not going to last forever. Also this is the right time to kickstart projects such as these because that will generate employment. And once pandemic is over the project will be ready(or near ready) to operate. Most successful businesses start during the downturn.

Re: Ask HN: Is building an edutainment space-themed park a good idea?

#8

Post by _bsldld »

PaulHoule wrote: post #3

I like the idea of a 'VR park' where there is a changing repitoire of experiences, particularly approaching contact sports in intensity. It is a major hassle though getting people suited up, you would go through gear pretty fast, and if people were taking falls without the direct use of their eyes some might get hurt.

> It is a major hassle though getting people suited up, you would go through gear pretty fast, and if people were taking falls without the direct use of their eyes some might get hurt.

Yes, as with any other entertainment park, there will be safety requirements for this park too, but with different challenges. Those will have to be worked on as we go along with the project.

Re: Ask HN: Is building an edutainment space-themed park a good idea?

#10

Post by _bsldld »

mimixco wrote: post #5

VR has been "the next great thing" for at least 20 years but still isn't popular with the mainstream because of the vision and dizziness problems it creates for a lot of people, and also because the UI's have been generally terrible. I think these problems would be exacerbated by having an audience of children. It's possible that the VR stuff would get in the way of learning (at this stage in its development and acce…

This will not be just a VR park. It will have other elements. VR will be just one part of it. But you are right, we will have to take into consideration the challenges you mentioned.
Post reply on HN