Client
Create4Care, Erasmus MC
Brief
This project focused on designing an immersive solution that helps reduce pain and anxiety during injections for children aged 6–10 with needle phobia, while maintaining their sense of control.
challenge
How might immersive technologies such as AR, MR, and VR be integrated to distract children at key anxiety moments throughout their hospital visit?
my role and contribution
I led the user research by contacting the injection clinic, arranging stakeholder interviews, and conducting an on-site observation study in both the waiting room and injection room. I was also responsible for the VR part of the experience: I designed the narrative and interaction flow, collaborated with the VR lab to build the VR game, and ensured the experience aligned with the emotional needs of the children. Additionally, I documented our design process and shaped the narrative structure that connects all XR components.
Approach
I started by gathering firsthand insights through interviews and observational research to identify when and how anxiety builds up during the hospital visit. Based on these findings, I designed the VR experience, created the narrative, and built the prototype in collaboration with the VR lab. Throughout the project, I iterated on the VR flow and interaction choices to ensure the experience was comforting, intuitive, and engaging for the target age group.
outcome
The final concept combined AR navigation, an MR waiting-room experience, and a VR distraction game, with my work shaping the VR phase and the overarching narrative.
Our concept was honored with two awards: the Immersive Tech Award and the Immersive Tech Audience Choice Award. These awards highlighted both the project’s creative use of technology and its strong connection to the user experience.