Technologies
Overview
About Strataca
Strataca Salt Museum, located in Hutchinson, Kansas, offers a unique glimpse into one of the world’s largest rock salt deposits. Built within an active mine that has been operational since 1920, it is the only salt mine in the United States accessible to tourists. The museum provides an unparalleled educational experience, transporting visitors beneath the Earth’s surface to explore the rich history and geology of salt mining.
Services
Their Challenge
As an active mine and historic landmark, Strataca faces the challenge of making industrial mining accessible and engaging for the general public. While physical tours provide a sense of scale, certain high-stakes activities, such as operating heavy machinery or handling explosives, are far too dangerous for tourists to witness or perform in person.
The museum wanted an innovative way to bridge the gap between static exhibits and the high-intensity reality of salt harvesting. The challenge was to create a digital experience that felt authentic to the mine’s century-long history while remaining safe, educational, and intuitive for users who may have never used virtual reality technology before. Furthermore, the solution had to be engaging enough to serve as a premium, paid attraction within the museum.
Our Solution
Saritasa collaborated with Strataca to develop a 10-15 minute interactive VR experience for the Meta Quest 3, designed as both a historical archive and a hands-on simulator. The experience begins with essential safety protocols and culminates in a deep-mine blasting sequence, allowing users to experience a vast underground operation within a controlled digital environment.
The experience aims to balance educational storytelling with gamified elements. This grant-funded project now serves as a safe yet thrilling way for visitors to participate in the mining process.
Our Approach
What Saritasa Did
Haptic Feedback and Spatial Audio
To simulate the atmosphere of a salt mine, our team included advanced haptics and spatial audio. Every interaction, from the rumble of the hoist descending into the earth to the vibration of the hand-held drill, was meticulously programmed to provide physical feedback. This level of detail transports users beyond a visual experience to a fully immersive one.
Historical & Technical Accuracy
We worked closely with Strataca to reflect the evolution of mining from the 1920s to the present day. The experience features a mix of eras, showcasing historical wooden hoists, modern tools, and a mid-century “mule” for transportation. The goal is to provide an educational timeline of how mining has evolved over the decades.
Interactive Blasting Simulation
The experience ends with a high-stakes sequence that teaches users the precision required for modern mining by having them prepare a salt face with a VR drill. Users must select the correct explosives and caps and insert them into the drilled hole. We implemented a “pass/fail” mechanic where only one of four configurations results in a controlled, successful harvest. An incorrect choice triggers a dramatic explosion, complete with haptic feedback.
Accessibility and Comfort in VR
We implemented a tutorial in the form of a “learn-by-doing” PPE selection phase that naturally teaches essential VR mechanics. This seamless onboarding ensures the experience remains intuitive and accessible without lengthy instructions. We also prioritized user comfort by carefully designing the “mule” transport sequences with specific lighting and haptic cues to reduce motion sickness.
