Monkey Escape Lab The Subject: Can I leave me?

This project begins inside a cage — a VR escape seen through the eyes of a laboratory monkey.
You observe, hesitate, and struggle, not as a player, but as the subject itself.
I  wrapped this journey in a light,  cartoonish style, simply to invite more people to step inside.
And before we realize it, we begin to see the world that experimental animals face every day.

If VR can open even a small door toward freedom for them,
then let that door begin here.

Each year, tens of thousands of non-human primates are used in laboratories worldwide.

Because of their genetic and cognitive similarity to humans,  they have become common research subjects, 
and at the same time, a  central point of ethical controversy.

It is precisely this intelligence, 
social complexity and emotional depth 
that make their experiences resonate so strongly with us.

These qualities make empathy possible,
and allow their stories to be felt, not just understood.

Designing with empathy

• Using an empathy-driven design, this project uses VR to help humans understand the lived experiences of laboratory monkeys.

• User testing showed that participants clearly felt the uncertainty and tension of being in a constrained position - moving, reacting, and trying to escape under pressure. From a human perspective, moments such as encountering a dead monkey, or seeing other monkeys trapped and wanting to help, triggered strong emotional responses including shock, sympathy, and a sense of social connection. These reactions indicate that the project effectively communicates the lived reality of laboratory animals and brings users closer to understanding their perspective.

Character Design & Animation

Journey Design

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