Echoverse

Echoverse

immersive VR-based rhythm and exploration game designed to support children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). The game combines the mechanics of sound exploration and musical rhythm challenges to improve motor coordination, balance, and listening skills

project type

VR game

skill

unity | Blender

Year

2024

Role

Technical Art

What is DCD

Design
Opportunity

Developmental co-ordination disorder(DCD) is estimated to affect about 5-6% of school-aged children

Impact on Daily Activities

Impact on Daily Activities

The difficulties interfere with activities of daily living, school performance, or work

The difficulties interfere with activities of daily living, school performance

Motor Skill Impairment

Motor Skill Impairment

Difficulty with fine motor skills and gross motor skills (e.g., running, jumping, throwing)

total transaction of digital payments in U.S.

Persistence of Difficulties

Persistence of Difficulties

The challenges often extend into adolescence and adulthood

Treatment Methods

Treatment
Methods

Occupational Therapy(OT)

Occupational Therapy(OT)

Occupational Therapy(OT)

Emphasizes identify specific difficulties by breaking complex activities into smaller steps

Emphasizes identify specific difficulties by breaking complex activities into smaller steps

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

Focuses on improving fundamental motor skills and addressing sensory or physical perception issues

Focuses on improving fundamental motor skills and addressing sensory or physical perception issues

Task-Adaptive Approach

Task-Adaptive Approach

Task-Adaptive Approach

Emphasizes building confidence by focusing on child’s strengths and adapting tasks to suit needs

Emphasizes building confidence by focusing on child’s strengths and adapting tasks to suit needs

Treatments for DCD, address challenges in motor control, highlighting the vital role of movement in daily life and development

VR Intervention to Improve Motor Control

VR Intervention to
Improve
Motor Control

Body Function-Oriented

Body Function-Oriented

Improving specific body functions underlying motor deficits, such as balance exercises on a wobble board

Activity-Oriented

Activity-Oriented

Improving specific body functions underlying motor deficits, such as balance exercises on a wobble board

Participation-Oriented

Participation-Oriented

Enhance participation in everyday activities, using role-play to help children participate in activities

How Does VR Improves Motor Abilities

VR Intervention to
Improve
Motor Control

Action Planning

Action Planning

Provides interactive tasks that train children to strategize and plan movements

Motor Imagery

Motor Imagery

Mentally rehearse movements, improving ability to predict real-life actions

Multisensory

Multisensory

Engages visual, auditory and kinesthetic senses, aiding in sensory processing

Anticipatory Control

Anticipatory Control

Mentally rehearse movements, improving ability to predict real-life actions

Persona

Jack

Age 12

Struggles with balance, coordination, and basic activities (e.g., bike riding, running).
Avoids physical activities, leading to reduced social interaction and fitness.

Jenny

Age 12

Born prematurely; delayed milestones like walking and riding a bike.
Low self-esteem due to teasing and poor performance in activities.

Evelyn

Age 8

Gender Female

Hobbies Dancing, Drawing

Goals Need to save enough money to

buy a puppy doll, hoping to get

more pocket money

Evelyn

Age 36

Gender Female

Hobbies Hiking, Biking

Goals Wanted daughter Evelyn to have

a basic understanding of money

and to be able to plan her pocket

money. Give Evelyn a planned

allowance.

Ideation

VR Intervention to
Improve
Motor Control

Nature Calming Influence

Nature Calming Influence

Children thrive in environments where they can participate at their own pace, without the pressure of competition

Motor Skill Challenges

Motor Skill Challenges

Improving specific body functions underlying motor deficits, such as balance exercises on a wobble board

Rhythmic Movement

Rhythmic Movement

Rhythmic activities, such as following beats, were noted for their ability to improve motor coordination and build confidence

Children with DCD often feel overwhelmed by traditional exercises but enjoy playful activities. Instructors highlighted the therapeutic benefits of nature for relaxation and motor coordination

Game Flow

VR Intervention to
Improve
Motor Control

Nature Exploration Tasks

Nature Exploration Tasks

Users are given a checklist with nature-related objectives, such as discovering specific animals and plants

Rhythmic Game

Rhythmic Game

As users explore, they may encounter obstacles or events that trigger rhythmic mini-games

Exploration & Guided Path

Exploration & Guided Path

Roam the environment freely to complete tasks at their own pace, or follow a designated route to find objectives

Game Art

Design
System

Final Game

Design
System

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Montserrat

Semi Bold & Regular

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-$124.18

Total Expense