We began by conducting user research to identify common needs of the service users, and found that the clinic bathroom was routinely used during exposure therapy. However, it was often unfit for its therapeutic purpose due to not being dirty enough, or experiencing long queues. With this in mind, we created a virtual bathroom that would allow for a more manageable regulation of the therapeutic space.
It was important that clinicians were able to control all the variables in the virtual environment, so we carried out extensive research to ensure that everything they needed was available, including customisable details such as hair, tissues, grime and mould to personalise the space for service users, all with minimal preparation.
The next steps of the project will involve gathering physiological data on an individual’s response and mapping this against their reported experience. Additionally, Mindwave is in the process of seeking funding to develop a clinical trial and develop the evidence base of VR used for therapeutic purposes.
