This dissertation investigates how user experience (UX) design principles can optimise therapeutic virtual reality (VR) environments, using the NaturalVR application as a case study. The research combines quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate usability, accessibility, personalisation, and multisensory design in clinical contexts.
1. Human-Centred UX Design for Therapeutic VR
Description: Applied a user-centred design approach, integrating personas, empathy maps, and customer journey maps to tailor the VR environment to patients, clinicians, and therapists.
Takeaway: Involving end-users at every design stage ensures the therapeutic VR experience meets real emotional, cognitive, and practical needs.
2. Multisensory Stimuli for Psychological Well-being
Description: Incorporated visual, auditory, and proposed olfactory elements to increase immersion, presence, and stress reduction in hospitalised patients.
Takeaway: Carefully designed multisensory environments can enhance relaxation and engagement, improving therapeutic outcomes.
3. Accessibility and Comfort in Clinical Contexts
Description: Addressed challenges such as cybersickness, equipment constraints, and varying levels of digital literacy, ensuring the VR experience was safe and inclusive.
Takeaway: Accessibility-focused design expands the usability of VR in healthcare, making it viable for a broader patient demographic.
4. Usability Testing & Data-Driven Iteration
Description: Conducted heuristic evaluations, focus groups with mental health professionals, and usability tests with 19 participants using the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ).
Takeaway: Combining qualitative observations with quantitative metrics provides robust insights for iterative improvements.
5. Evidence-Based Design Guidelines for Therapeutic VR
Description: Synthesised research findings into actionable UX design guidelines for developers and healthcare teams working on VR therapy tools.
Takeaway: Practical, evidence-based recommendations bridge the gap between academic research and real-world implementation.
Conclusion
This research demonstrates how UX design methodologies can significantly improve the therapeutic potential of VR environments. By integrating human-centred design, multisensory stimuli, accessibility considerations, and rigorous testing, NaturezaVR evolved into a more effective and engaging clinical tool.
[This thesis is currently being prepared for publication as a scientific paper.]