Deigratia Daniels discusses using VR/AR technology to create "The Black Man Simulator" which aims to promote empathy by allowing users to experience life as a black man. The simulator draws from Daniels' experience in VR/AR development and uses low-cost resources to create characters and environments. Daniels shares lessons learned from the project and goals to expand the concept to include other experiences to further dialogue on social issues.

1. The Black Man Simulator –
Using VR/AR for Community
Engagement
BY DEIGRATIA A. DANIELS
(DEE-GRAW-TEE-AYE)

2. Schedule
Agenda
 Background
 Discussion Summary
 Discussion Points
 Q & A
 Contact Info
Topic Summary
 Discussion on using VR/AR
technology to promote deeper levels
of empathy and to encourage
dialogue in the community on
relevant social topics.

3. Background
 My professional career in XR( VR/AR/MR) started in 1999 as a University
of Central Florida (UCF) grad student.
 Interactive Simulation and Training Systems Design, which was a specialization
in the Engineering department at UCF.
 Responsible for teaching 3D modeling techniques
 MultiGen Creator (3D Modeling Tool), Vega Prime (DIS Run/Real Time
Environment), MAK Technologies (HLA Run/Real Time Environment)
 Worked at Lockheed Martin as a Systems Engineer to design and develop
training devices using virtual/augmented reality from 2001 – 2016
 C130-J Maintenance & Aircrew Training System (Low, Medium, and High
Fidelity Solutions)
 Close Combat Tactical Trainer (Light and Heavy Armored Vehicles )
 Currently a Project Manager at Futurus
 Using consumer grade XR tools and techniques to create unique training
devices and customized experiences.

4. Human Experience Simulator
Summary
 VR/AR base simulators are extremely powerful experiential
learning tools that can quickly put the participant in the mind of
a different character. I will talk about lessons learned and
community reception of The Black Man Simulator and other
community engagement VR/AR application.

5. Inspiration
 Social outcry for dialogue and change
 Conversation with friends and a desire to act
 A unique opportunity presented itself to utilize
the skills and knowledge I've gained
 Museum of Civil Rights
 1960s sit-in Exhibit
 To promote understanding and empathy
 To create an open environment to dialogue
without being judged and without retaliation
 Develop method to share unique experiences
with others

6. Black Man Sim Components
Main Components
 Oculus Rift DK2
 Unreal 4 Engine
 MSI GT72 Laptop
 12 GB RAM
 Intel i7
 Nvidia 960
Free & Low-cost Resources
 Character Rigging & Animations -
Mixamo.com
 Abode Fuse – Character Generation
 Autodesk Character Generator
 Voice Over Actors – Fiverr.com

7. What I Learned & What's Next
Lessons Learned
 Limit duration of experience
 Research & Interviews
 Secure funding & donations
 Subject Mater Experts
 Developers
 Venues
 Support
 Grants & Scholarships
 Partnerships
 Direct Contracts
Future Goals
 Expand to include other experiences
 Veterans
 Various Disabilities
 Mental Illnesses
 Sports
 Dance (in production)
 Decrease Costs of Experience
 Increase Exposure of Experience

8. • Black Man Simulator Articles
 Burn Away - https://burnaway.org/feature/deigratia-daniels-aims-
simulate-black-man-experience/
 Creative Loafing - https://creativeloafing.com/content-219513-The-Black-
Man-Simulator--One-man%27s-ambitious-project
 Black Man Simulator Web Series
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPJF63eYm5g&list=PLTb-
SeabvXDzXuGVqZQnjJ_INErFvH1Nl

9. Q & A

10. THANK YOU

11. Social Media & Contact Info
 Social Media
 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/jazzman81
 FaceBook – https://www.facebook.com/deigratia.daniels
 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/deigratia_daniels/
 Twitter – https://twitter.com/DeigratiaOnTwit
 Vimeo - https://vimeo.com/deigratia
 Contact Info
 E-mail – daniels81@hotmail.com
 Google Voice – 678.561.PLAY (7529)