Interlace

Virtual Reality Therapy Project - "Interlace: Conquering Arachnophobia and Nyctophobia"

Role: XR Product Designer
Studio: Archi Metaverse Pro 2.0

Project Overview: "Interlace" is an innovative virtual reality therapy experience designed to help users overcome two common phobias: arachnophobia (fear of spiders) and nyctophobia (fear of the dark). As part of the Archi Metaverse Pro 2.0 Studio, I collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to create a fully immersive, therapeutic environment that allows users to confront and gradually diminish their fears in a controlled and supportive setting.

Design Concept: The core concept of "Interlace" revolves around the gradual exposure to fear-inducing stimuli, combined with soothing elements that help users navigate through their anxieties. The therapy is conducted within a highly interactive virtual environment, where users are guided by avatars—Arachnara, a friendly therapist, and Araveil, a companion spider. These avatars provide support, encouragement, and a sense of safety as users face their fears in a step-by-step process.

Key Features:

Phobia-Specific Exposure Therapy:

The VR experience is divided into multiple phases, each designed to gradually increase the intensity of exposure to spiders and darkness. Users start with minimal exposure and, with the guidance of Arachnara, progress through more challenging scenarios.
Visual and auditory stimuli, such as the appearance of spiders and the descent into darker environments, are carefully calibrated to evoke a controlled emotional response, allowing users to build tolerance and resilience.
Interactive Avatar Guidance:

Arachnara, the virtual therapist, plays a crucial role in guiding users through their journey. With a glowing, calming presence, she provides verbal reassurance and leads users through each phase of the therapy, encouraging them to confront their fears while remaining calm.
Araveil, a small, friendly spider, assists in the latter stages of the experience, transforming from a fear-inducing creature into a symbol of comfort and guidance, helping users realize that their fears can be overcome.
Environmental and Sensory Design:

The virtual environment is meticulously designed to reflect both the fear-inducing aspects (dark spaces, confined areas, and unexpected movements) and the soothing elements (gradual lighting, soft sounds, and calming visuals). This balance ensures that users are both challenged and comforted throughout their journey.
The design process involved creating spaces that evolve in response to user progress, with environmental cues that signal safety and progression, such as the dimming and brightening of lights, or the transition from enclosed spaces to open areas.
Accessibility and Safety:

The experience prioritizes user safety, ensuring that the therapy remains within the user’s comfort zone while pushing the boundaries of their fears. The virtual environment is designed to be a safe space where users can explore their fears without real-world consequences.
Detailed attention was given to accessibility, making sure that the experience is adaptable to different user needs and sensitivities, providing a personalized therapeutic approach.
Therapeutic Outcomes:

"Interlace" aims to reduce the severity of arachnophobia and nyctophobia by providing repeated, controlled exposure in a supportive environment. The gradual escalation of challenges, combined with the presence of comforting avatars, helps users build confidence and coping mechanisms.
The project is designed not only to alleviate fears but also to empower users, leaving them with a sense of accomplishment and control over their anxieties.
Outcome: "Interlace" represents a groundbreaking approach to virtual reality therapy, offering a unique blend of psychological support and immersive technology. The project highlights my ability to design therapeutic environments that are both effective and engaging, using VR to tackle real-world challenges in mental health. By creating a space where users can safely confront their fears, "Interlace" sets a new standard for what virtual reality can achieve in the realm of psychological therapy.