INTERACTIVE

The Wayback - The Wayback
Thomas Thomas Films

Finalist

Title:	The Wayback
Entrant Company:	Thomas Thomas Films
Production Company:	Thomas Thomas Films
Advertising Agency:	The Wayback
Client:	The Wayback
Type of Project (VR, AR, Website, App, Live Experience, etc.):	VR
Recommended headset or device (if applicable):	Google Cardboard
Project description:	The Wayback (www.thewaybackvr.com) is a virtual reality film series designed to trigger memories and spark conversations for those living with dementia, their carers and loved ones. The 360-degree films immerse the viewer in incredibly detailed, recreated, positive moments from the past – which evoke the feelings that went with them - in order to create positive connections and conversations in the present. Using simple technology, our ambition is to share these films with as many people living with dementia as possible, their carers and families, helping them to remain connected to the people around them and maintaining their identity. The Wayback films are unlike any other kind of virtual reality film. Each one is the product of countless hours of research and ‘memory sessions’ in care homes. This groundwork ensures that every scene is filled with thousands of details that will trigger different memories and emotions for everyone old enough to have been there. We continually find that it’s the small, generic details that evoke the strongest memories. In our pilot 1953 film, all of the food and drink on the table in the film came from our memory sessions; happy recollections abounded of fish paste sandwiches, jelly and ice cream, pilchards and Mackesons Stout. Another interviewee even sang us a selection of skipping songs and these too can be seen in the final film. We believe VR technology can help address the quality of life and coping challenges that this patient population faces. It can offer one solution that leads to happier, more engaged patients and satisfied families and caregivers. Reminiscence is already widely used for people living with dementia but we believe The Wayback will be welcomed as another vital tool. The user technology is very simple incorporating a handheld smart phone and a simple cardboard VR viewer. The Wayback will be a memory bank of moments through the decades. Evocatively recreated films detailing shared positive moments from the past. ‘The Wayback enables people living with dementia and their families and carers to connect and share memories. Through these memories and connections people can maintain their identities, friendships and family links. The Wayback is a powerful and useful resource for professionals and families alike’ Professor Martin Green OBE, CEO of Care England Case study: https://youtu.be/xG62vbr9FYQ
Project link:	https://thewaybackvr.com
Download app link (if applicable):	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzcdEI-tSUc