Galderma Virtual Rheology Lab

Rheology labs are typically a hands-on tactile experience. During the pandemic, Galderma needed a way to conduct rheology training labs virtually. We created a 'visually tactile' interactive web experience that was educational, beautiful, and fun!

In order to provide a tactile experience in a non-tactile medium, we employed a number of techniques to connect the visuals to the user's tactile memory, such as visual analogy.

- NASHA gel is related to the Eiffel Tower due to its precision and structure.
- XpresHAn is represented by the ballerina, which is the epitome of movement and expression.

In addition to visual analogy, we built interactive mechanisms to help kinesthetically connect the viewers to the subject matter. In the image above, the user clicks and drags out a string of gel. The amount of perceived 'drag' on the mouse as the gel is stretched, is proportionally related to the different xStrain values. Low stretch = high drag.

Similarly, the twist of the rheometer gives the viewer an idea of how well the gel maintains its shape during twisting. Also note that everything in the scene is dimensional. Even the logo is suspended from the top by wires. All of these subtle visuals and interactions served to make the experience more mentally tactile.