Alder Hey Interactive 360 Virtual Tour

2016 was a game-changer for us. That was the year we embarked on an incredible project at the brand-new Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, and when we shot 360-degree video and photography virtual tours that still stand out in our portfolio. Looking back, this project was not only a milestone but the spark that lit the flame for our sister company, The Immersive Learning Studio. It’s incredible to reflect on how far we’ve come since then, but let’s dive into the details of what made this project truly special.

Easing Anxiety with Immersive 360 Imagery

The concept behind the Alder Hey Interactive 360 Virtual Tour was simple but powerful. We wanted to provide patients, especially children and their families, an inside look at the hospital before their visit. By offering a fully interactive and immersive experience, we aimed to reduce the anxiety often associated with hospital trips. The virtual tour allowed visitors to explore the hospital in detail, helping them feel more comfortable and familiar with their surroundings before they even stepped foot inside.

Capturing Our All-Time Favourite Shot

Picture this: A quiet Sunday morning, the early sunlight gently bouncing off the pristine walls of Alder Hey, and the best part? Not a single visitor was in sight. We knew this was the perfect moment to capture something extraordinary. The hospital, basking in the morning glow, was the ideal backdrop for our ultimate outdoor 360-degree shot. The conditions were perfect—the brand-new architecture glistening in the sunshine and not a soul around to break the tranquillity. We still look back at that image with pride because it represents everything that makes immersive media so magical: timing, setting, and technology all coming together to freeze a moment in time.

The Custom 360 Camera Robot: A Game-Changer

But this project wasn’t just about timing or the perfect shot. It was also the debut of our in-house innovation: a custom-built 360-degree camera robot. Traditional photography gear wasn’t cutting it for what we had envisioned. We needed something that could handle the intricacies of immersive media, capture every angle smoothly, and move with precision.

So, we built it. This robot became the unsung hero of the project, allowing us to capture high-quality panoramic shots and videos with the exact precision we needed. Our custom camera robot was equipped to glide through spaces, offering a dynamic, all-encompassing view. It wasn’t just about the technology—it was about giving viewers an experience as close to being there as possible. The robot allowed us to elevate our 360-degree video tours by creating smooth transitions and seamless shots, adding that extra layer of professionalism to the final product.

Ahead of the Game in Immersive Tech

Back in 2016, we were pushing the boundaries of what was possible. Yes, the virtual reality headsets available at the time weren’t exactly state-of-the-art—let’s be honest, some of them were a bit janky—but that didn’t stop us. We took what was available, combined it with our cutting-edge custom equipment, and created a 360-degree experience that was ahead of its time.

In an era when most were just beginning to explore the possibilities of VR and immersive media, we were already integrating it into real-world projects. The final product? A seamless, interactive virtual tour that allowed users to experience Alder Hey in a way they never had before. Despite the technological limitations of VR headsets at the time, our 360-degree tours proved just how immersive and engaging this format could be.

The Legacy of Alder Hey and the Birth of The Immersive Learning Studio

This project was more than just a portfolio piece—it was a launchpad. After the Alder Hey experience, we knew immersive media had the potential to transform how brands communicate, educate, and engage. This realisation led to the creation of The Immersive Learning Studio, where we’ve continued to develop cutting-edge virtual experiences for clients across a wide range of industries.

From that first 360-degree tour at Alder Hey to the immersive training experiences we build today, our commitment to pushing the envelope hasn’t changed. What started with one custom camera robot has grown into a full suite of immersive media solutions designed to captivate audiences and create memorable experiences Worldwide.