Research · Decision simulation
Making nuclear decision‑making tangible through simulation
Spencer contributed technical, client and delivery leadership through Holosphere, working with American University researchers Sharon Weiner and Moritz Kütt.
Overview
An immersive VR simulation explored how people make consequential decisions under severe time pressure and uncertainty.
Project media
Nuclear Biscuit demonstration
Silent highlights from the delivered White House and Oval Office decision-making simulation.
Decision-making under extreme pressure
American University researchers needed a credible way to place participants inside the uncertainty, limited information and time pressure of an escalating simulated nuclear attack.
A simulation built for research
The response recreated the Oval Office and White House Situation Room at life size, with simulated advisers, live information feeds and a 15-minute decision countdown.
Portable, controlled and accessible
The system was designed for novice participants, operated on a closed wireless network and gave a trained facilitator control through a tablet. Tracked furniture reinforced the physical credibility of the setting.
Technical and client delivery leadership
Through Holosphere, Spencer contributed technical, commercial and delivery leadership while working with researchers Sharon Weiner and Moritz Kütt to turn the research intent into an executable experience.
A platform for wider learning
The delivered simulation was demonstrated at the Munich Security Conference, developed into an educational tool and subsequently formed the basis of further experimental work at Princeton University.
Outcome
The project subsequently supported research at Princeton University. Munich and Princeton are outcomes and venues, not clients.
Technology & methods
- Immersive simulation
- Facilitator controls
- Portable VR
- Research collaboration
Credibility indicators
- Delivered portable system
- Munich Security Conference demonstration
- Subsequent Princeton research
Related capability
- Complex delivery
- Research collaboration
- XR