How does a spider perceive its surroundings? The research project Being a Spider uses virtual reality to enable an unusual change of perspective and investigates whether this can change attitudes towards arachnids.
In the VR installation, visitors slip into the role of a four-spotted orb-weaver spider and go hunting for insects at night. They experience how the spider uses highly sensitive sensory hairs to detect air currents from flying insects and explore an oak tree in search of prey.
The research team at ZHdK and ZHAW is investigating whether people’s attitudes towards spiders can be positively changed through a multisensory VR experience. The aim is to gain new insights into raising awareness of biodiversity and species protection through impact research.
The VR installation can be experienced until 1 February 2026 in the exhibition ‘Museum of the Future – 17 Digital Experiments’ at the Museum of Design Zurich. From 2027, it will be shown in various Swiss natural history museums.
Further information
- Mit den Sinnen einer Spinne – Forschung Knowledge Visualization ZHdK
- “Spinne sein” – ZHAW