We first built a VR prototype during McGill XR Hackathon 2024 and won 1st place.
Designing a VR Simulation to Improve the MRI Experience
- Featured
- VR
Introduction
What was this project about?
Mission Control is a VR simulation designed to help participants become familiar with the MRI experience before their scan, while practicing stillness through real-time feedback.
This project was part of my full-time developer role at Douglas Mental Health Institute.
My Role
I was the lead VR developer and designer for the full version of the simulation. I worked on preliminary research, VR design, prototyping, Unity development, playtesting, optimization, Meta Store submission, and scientific writing.
Technical Details
VR Development: Unity, C#
Timeline
Initial prototype: 24h. Full version: 2 years.
Links
TL;DR
Problem
MRI scans can be difficult for participants because of anxiety, narrow space, long scan duration, and the need to remain still.
- Participant movement can reduce the quality of brain images.
- This may increase costs, create additional work for staff and lead to the sedation of the participant.
Solution
We developed a VR simulation that familiarizes participants with the MRI process before the real scan.
- The VR simulation introduces participants to key parts of the MRI procedure.
- Real-time feedback encourages them to practice remaining still.
- Storytelling and gamification make the training experience more fun.
information
Process
I gathered information on similar VR applications, MRI preparation tools, and project constraints, then structured the core components of the simulation, including tools, technologies, features, and interaction mechanics.
I consulted with co-designers and researchers to shape the VR experience, including the narrative structure, educational content, and stillness-training mechanics.
I led the development of the full VR simulation in Unity with C# over 2 years, expanding the prototype into a complete experience with storytelling, gamification, real-time feedback, and interactions. I conducted playtests, improved the app based on feedback and usability issues, optimized performance, published it to the Meta Store.
I wrote a scientific preprint and am preparing a paper focused on the design and development process.
Impact
1st place
won 1st place at McGill XR Hackathon 2024 with the initial 24-hour prototype.
Accessible for Free
the App is available on the Meta Store to make the simulation more accessible to participants, families, researchers, and professionals.
Outreach
I wrote a preprint and am preparing a methods paper describing the design and development process behind the VR simulation.