The Orrb (also known as Oculas or Ovei pod and has been referred to as a "wellness device"[1]) is a precision-engineered monocoque structured physical device fabricated from 100% recyclable glass-reinforced plastic[2] with dimensions 3 feet by 6 feet that allows users to sit inside, fostering a sense of calmness with a 5, 10, 20 or 30 minutes wellness session. It facilitates experiences from relaxation, brain entrainment, and entertainment to engender a focused work culture. Beyond its structural innovation, the Orrb was inspired by the concept of sacred spaces—places designed for deep reflection and inner calm.[3] The first Oculas Pod was designed by British designer and innovator Lee McCormack in 2002. McCormack reported in 2015 that he received positive feedback about the device's effectiveness from the wellness training industries in the US and UK.[4]
History
In 2002, McCormack named the device ‘Oculas’ as the prototype, later in 2008 he worked on an engineering partnership with McLaren Applied Technologies, culminating in the all-new “Ovei” which enhances personal and professional spaces through technology and comfort fusion. F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Damon Hill used the pods to help with relaxation and focus.[5] Vince Fraser, an acclaimed artist designed the exterior wrap of the Orrb.[16][17] https://www.pinterest.co.uk/vincefraser/ Image by Vince Fraser with Lee McCormack Inspired by the compact efficiency of the Japanese Capsule Hotel, the Orrb has evolved to become a multifaceted platform which was commercially released in April 2015 with each design step meticulously shaped by geometric precision and mathematical principles for timeless appeal and adaptability in varied settings. In 2023 McCormack began creating the Orrb XR model, collaborating with Beckhoff and the Veterans Affairs (VA) in the US.
Founder
Lee McCormack, a British designer, is known for founding Orrb, a venture blending technology with architectural design. Born in 1971, McCormack introduced the Oculas in 2002, a precursor to Ovei, showcasing his early commitment to integrating technology into immersive environments. Ovei, developed with McLaren Applied Technologies, enhanced personal and professional spaces through technology and comfort fusion. The latest designed version is named Orrb. McCormack's expertise extends to smart city designs, emphasizing sustainability, collaborations with industry leaders like Apple, and contributions to platforms like MyGlobalHome and Propcode underscore his impact on transformative design and technology.
Technical Specifications
- Power Requirement: Standard USA Outlet
- Material: GRP (fiberglass)
- Color: Customizable
- Mobility: Wheels fixed in place during use (no removal required)
- Seating:
- Reclining seat
- Anti-bacterial vinyl fabric
- Door:
- Electronic operation with foam seal
- Magnetic catch and lock
- Designed for soundproofing with a large opening for easy access
- Audio System: 5.1 Surround Sound speaker system
- Visual Display: Extended Reality (XR) Integration:
- Virtual Reality (VR): Orrb features fully immersive VR experiences, providing users with engaging environments for wellness, training, and meetings.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Future updates will include AR capabilities, allowing users to overlay digital information onto the physical world for enhanced training scenarios.
- Mixed Reality (MR): Orrb is designed to support MR experiences, blending real-world and virtual elements to create seamless interactive environments.
- Computing: Beckhoff
- Ventilation: Air intake and expel electric fan system
Notable Appearances
Orrb's innovative design and multifunctional capabilities have led to its presence in various high-profile settings, emphasizing its appeal in diverse fields:
Film and Entertainment:
- In the 2005 science fiction film The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Orrb made a striking appearance showcasing its futuristic design and appeal to the sci-fi genre. Disney purchased 25 units to promote the movie to deliver an interactive experience for global marketing within cinema venues and shopping malls, Directed by Garth Jennings.[7]
- It was also used in promotional activities for the fantasy films Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006) released by Walt Disney Pictures, Directed by Gore Verbinski.[9]
- In the 2008 science fiction film WALL-E, released by Walt Disney Pictures and directed by Andrew Stanton, Orrb named ‘Escape Pod’ was used in promotional activities.[8][9]
- In the 2005 film Chicken Little, released by Walt Disney Pictures, Directed by Mark Dindal, Orrb was used for marketing purposes.
- In the 2005 film Flight Plan, released by Touchstone Pictures, Directed by Robert Schwentke, Orrb exemplified its versatility and appeal in entertainment marketing.
Exhibitions
- In Sep 2003, It was presented in the Designersblock exhibition, London in Sep 2003 under the device name Oculas.
- In the year 2004, Oculas team collaborated with Artist Will Barras to create a 360-degree canvas for a Tokyo exhibition with Designersblock and the British Council. Artworks included a Sumo and Geisha design painted on Oculas pods.
- Showcased in the Young British Designers Exhibition within Selfridge’s windows in London, 2005.[10][11][12]
- In the Science Festival 2014 – showing wellbeing content using Orrb.[20]
- In May 2015, the Orrb was a featured exhibit at the London Science Museum's "Fast Forward F1" technology exhibition highlighting its cutting-edge engineering and design parallels with Formula 1 technology.[13][14][15] https://illustriouscompany.co.uk/fast-forward/ https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/home
- The Orrb was displayed at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, showing a “Saatchi & Saatchi” produced short film, aligning it with the luxury and glamour of the international film industry. (ciper)
- In 2014, the TVConnect exhibition delivered show information with Orrb.[22]
- McLaren-engineered Ovei debuted at the CEDIA Expo 2008.[18][19][20]
- The Orrb appeared at the Grand Designs 2009 exhibition at Excel delivering show information.[21][22]
Music Festivals
- The Orrb premiered a special soundtrack by Ninja Tune at the Sightsonic Festival of Sound, 2001, 19th-21st October demonstrating its application in enhancing musical experiences and its connection to modern sound technology.
- In the year 2013 The Big Chill(music festival) and Amnesty International, the Orrb delivered an experience highlighting global human rights issues.
Corporate Events
- Disney's promotion of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Pirates of the Caribbean, Chicken Little, and Flight Plan worldwide delivered an interactive experience.[20]
- Delivered corporate film and experience of driver POV at Circuito Ascari track in Malaga, Spain for the sports car brand Ascari.
- In the Clerkenwell London Design Week 2018, Orrb showcased well-being content.[20]
- Orrb delivered an on-going in-store hypoxia altitude training experience under the name Altitude Pod, at Ellis & Brigham, Deansgate, Manchester for The Altitude Centre.[20]
- In 2008, Orrb was used for Diageo’s “Johnnie Walker” brand Drive Responsibly Awareness campaign globally.[20][20][20]
- Orrb Image
- Caption - Orrb at Diageo’s “Johnnie Walker” campaign event in 2008 with Lewis Hamilton.
- Orrb was showcased in different colors, Crestron at the Monaco Yacht Show 2009.[20][][]
- Orrb Image
- Caption - Orrb at Monaco Yacht Show in 2009 showcasing different colors.
Product Launches
- Orrb was used for promotional activities at the Unilever UK launch of Magnum Ice Cream.[20][20]
- Orrb Image
- Caption - Orrb at Unilever’s launch of Magnum Icecream in the UK.
- Orrb was used at Intel Product Launch for marketing.[20]
- In 2016, Sonic Womb launched in Lausanne, Switzerland at the Brain Forum Symposium. A multi-disciplinary research project collaboration between scientists, engineers, and sound artists that seeks to re-create the experience of hearing in utero in an acoustically optimized enclosed space. It is based on the most up-to-date academic research on the development of foetal hearing, new in-house experiments, and state-of-the-art audio engineering and delivered through a specially designed scientifically accurate “foetal filter” sound system in a unique configuration of auditory diffusion software and hardware.[20][]
- In 2019, Orrb was used for the Elemental Resonance Meditation music album launch by Tracie Storey at the Fora co-working space in Shoreditch, London.[20][]
Wellness, Education and Healthcare Facilities
- In 2006 St Bernadette’s Primary School, Stockport used to deliver educational software to students with ADHD, a four-week pilot study partnering with Riverdeep Interactive Learning and Ovei pod.
- In January 2006, the Ovei version debuted at the BETT(British Education and Technology Show)Exhibition at Olympia, London, and partnered with education software provider Riverdeep Interactive Learning to demonstrate its potential as an immersive learning aid to deliver interactive learning content. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BETT https://www.bettshow.com/
- In 2013, Nuffield Health delivered Wellmind Media content to reduce stress under the Escape Pod brand. https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/gyms https://www.wellmindhealth.com/
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Walter Reed Military Hospital, Washington, USA, Orrb helped with the ongoing study to deliver the optimal environment to treat war veterans suffering from PTSD and trauma.[20] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Reed_National_Military_Medical_Center
Awards
- McLaren Racing engineered Ovei, won the most luxurious product on “The Gadget Show” 2008 presented by Suzie Perry.[20][20]
- In 2014, it was featured on the Channel 4 show “Gadget Man” presented by Richard Ayoade.
- Orrb participated in a BBC series on sleep deprivation presented by Robert Winston, entitled “How to Sleep Better”.[20][20]
Further reading
References
- ^ "Launchpad Directory Tech City 2011" (PDF). Directory of Digital Products: 38.
- ^ "What are composites - EuCIA". eucia.eu. April 4, 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ O'Callaghan, Jonathan (January 14, 2015). "Need a break from work? Step into the secluded Orrb pod". Mail Online. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ McCormack, Lee (2005). Designers are Wankers. About Face Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9550968-1-5.
- ^ "If It's Hip It's Here | The latest in global design and creativity". www.ifitshipitshere.com. Retrieved May 27, 2024.