Headset Heroes — City of Marion

Equipping young minds to design immersive solutions for the real world
Client: City of Marion
Audience: Youth aged 12–15
Location: Cove Civic Centre
Delivery: School holiday workshops and consulting
Program Duration: Select dates across 2024 and 2025

Overview

In partnership with the City of Marion, Headset Heroes empowered young people aged 12 to 15 to become creators in the world of virtual reality. Delivered across multiple school holiday programs at Cove Civic Centre, this immersive workshop series combined creativity, technology, and real-world impact.

Participants learned how to use professional-grade VR headsets and 360 photography equipment, explored how immersive experiences are made, and even ventured out to the Hallett Cove Boardwalk to capture their own 360 content. From there, they designed and developed original VR experiences aimed at addressing real-world challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The program also gave participants time to engage with popular VR titles like Beat Saber, inspiring further curiosity and confidence in immersive tech.

In parallel with program delivery, Reality Bytes Media worked closely with City of Marion Libraries to provide expert consulting on VR hardware selection, implementation planning, and future integration of immersive technology into library programming.

Key Outcomes

• Taught hands-on skills in 360 photography, VR design, and immersive storytelling
• Encouraged critical thinking by linking creativity to global issues via the SDGs
• Gave participants full ownership over their own VR creations
• Combined technical learning with play-based exploration and fun
• Fostered a future-ready mindset in local youth through emerging technologies
• Informed the library’s long-term strategy for VR integration and equipment investment
• Strengthened local capacity to deliver immersive media experiences

Workshop Features

• Guided training in VR headsets and 360 capture technology
• Outdoor field trip to Hallett Cove to shoot custom 360 footage
• Creation of interactive VR tours, 3D VR gamified experiences, and purpose-driven experiences
• Focus on designing solutions for real-world challenges through immersive media
• Time to explore high-energy VR games like Beat Saber

Our Role

Reality Bytes Media was responsible for designing and delivering the full Headset Heroes experience for the City of Marion, including:

• Planning the workshop format, curriculum, and technical flow
• Managing all VR and 360 camera equipment
• Leading the field trip and supporting safe outdoor media capture
• Guiding participants through ideation, development, and headset use
• Provided one-on-one consulting with City of Marion Libraries on:
  • Equipment recommendations
  • VR program design and delivery
  • Long-term planning for immersive media integration
• Ensured the program aligned with council goals around youth engagement, innovation, and community learning