Duration
3 Weeks, Spring 2017
Synopsis
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a debiliating chronic mental-illness that affects millions of people in the United States on a daily basis. It is a physiological mental disorder where the sufferer experiences excessive amounts of intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that can cause intense anxiety that usually leads to repetive behaviors (compulsions) in an attempt to neutralize the anxiety. Unfortunately, this only worsens the anxiety and solidifes the endless cycle of fear which only leads to more obsessions and/or compulsions.
Treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder is a combination of a form of psychotherapy known as 'cognitive behavioral therapy' and if the case is severe, medication. A subtype of CBT known as ERP (Exposure Response Therapy) exposes the patient to what they fear in an attempt to reduce their anxiety towards whatever triggers their response.
EXPOSED is a concept of a potential form of treatment for those who suffer from the organizational/symmetry sub-type of the disorder.
Goals
1. Create an immersive environment that allows the patient to interact with an array of objects that will periodically change position, triggering an anxiety spike in the patient. They will be allowed to change the position of the objects for a limited amount of time, but eventually the ability to move said objects will be revoked.
2. In order to prevent a complete breakdown in the patient, they will only be treated if they are within 'the ring of fire' - a virtual zone where the procedure will only proceed if the patient is present within the circle.
DEMO SLIDES
The Cycle of OCD
OCD is a vicious cycle that starts with an obsession that lead's to excruiating anxiety, compulsions attempt to quell the anxiety for temporary relief.. which unfortunately leads to only more obsessing. The cycle continues.
Exposure Response Therapy in Augmented Reality
Proof of concept for the immersive form of treatment that would be performed through a Microsoft HoloLens headset.
User Journey
The user equips the headset and the procedure begins.
Original Mockup
This laid the groundwork for the final animation.
Thanks for checking out EXPOSED!
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