Consisting of three immersive stations, the U-505 Dive Trainer teaches visitors how to operate the vintage WWII German submarine. Multiple prototypes and rigorous testing were employed to develop this experience. Actual submarine controls were replicated and speakers and seating were engineered to give the visitor the best immersive experience possible. Sound, vibrations, and three large video screens bring the drama to the visual game simulation program and let the visitor control the submarine and evade destruction by torpedoes and depth charges.

Multiple prototypes and rigorous testing were employed to develop this experience. Several test groups were brought into Ravenswood’s shop throughout the development to test the interactive’s development. Early prototypes, made from plywood, were developed to test and adjust for ergonomics and accessibility. Later protoyptes of the full units were used for durability and formative evaluation, where we invited families into our shop and watched them interact with the exhibits.