As part of the new Navy SEAL Museum in San Diego, the SDV Interactive is a physical-digital installation that immerses visitors in the experience of operating a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV).

Working with Gallagher & Associates, L3A Studio led the UX discovery and concept development phase, shaping how visitors would engage with the story, controls, and emotional arc of the experience.

The installation needed to communicate the realities of SDV missions, from technical complexity, physical demands, and psychological intensity, all while remaining accessible and engaging for a wide range of visitors, from veterans to families.

Approach & Contribution

L3A approached the project by first building a strong understanding of the subject matter and visitor experience goals. We conducted interviews with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to better understand the operational realities of SDV missions, the human factors involved, and what aspects of the experience needed to be conveyed with care and authenticity.

From there, we developed the core concept for the interactive, including the visitor journey, gameplay structure, and narrative arc. The experience was framed as a story-driven mission that could introduce visitors to the world of SDVs while maintaining engagement and accessibility.

Our work included early concept development for the simulation’s physical controls, helping to define how visitors would interact with the experience through a combination of tactile inputs and digital feedback. We also shaped the overall structure of the gameplay, from onboarding and mission briefing through active navigation and conclusion, and developed preliminary concept designs to guide the installation’s direction.

Outcome

The SDV Interactive became a central exhibition within the museum, translating a highly specialized operational context into an immersive experience that gives visitors a clearer understanding of the demands, discipline, and decision-making involved in SDV missions.