Project Scope
So having looked at my ideas I have decided it is important to set the project scope. It is important to ensure that the scope of the project is set so that I can manage my expectations and manage my time effectively. It is also important to ensure that scope creep is kept to a minimum so that a working prototype can be achieved at the end of the project time frame. So to define the scope:
Produce a prototype of basic interactions
Produce UI mockups that are representative of the final product
Explore the limitations of VR and how it fits into the first aid training ecosystem.
Interview medics and healthcare professionals to improve my understanding of the project and the limitations of first aid training.
produce a manifesto style document which explains why VR?
Implement some technical features that are new to my skill set.
Work with audio as it is 50% of the UX of VR.
Deliver a video of a prototype for feedback from first aid professionals.
Speculate about how the idea could be improved and developed into a minimum viable product and how that could be developed into a deployable solution.
Together these key points define the areas of research that I will need to take in this project as well define where I should be focusing my creative efforts to develop a cohesive idea that at the end of the day is a prototype solution which can be demonstrated.
Continued Development
The idea for this project is to use currently available VR devices such as the oculus rift s and quest systems to build an interactive environment / scenario where users can experience a first aid scenario and practice the application of the first aid process.
But why?
Currently first aid training is delivered in the form of role play scenarios performed by other people of the first aid course. This leads to challenges in learning, as sometimes people do not take the training seriously and this takes away from any effective learning.
First aid training often uses power points to show the signs and symptoms that a person may have, this is limiting to someone learning as they do not have a way of putting into practice identifying these signs and symptoms.
Correct process and order of first aid is important to the effective application of immediate care for a person who is injured. It is there for the main goal of a first aid training course to deliver a participant with the appropriate knowledge to do first aid in the correct order and to do them properly.
I have identified these from personal experience of first aid training I have participated in for work as well as ensuring my safety when mountain biking which is a hobby of mine. Having experience
Currently first aid is taught in a practical manner. Small groups of people are taken through a course which teaches a process of identifying a medical emergency and how to deal with it correctly. The current teaching methods often consist of powerpoints which outline the correct techniques and show examples of symptoms that someone may have. Techniques which can’t be taught powerpoint are demonstrated and practiced by participants of the course.
An issue with most courses is effectively relating the information taught on a powerpoint to the real world, such as signs and symptoms. When putting a technique into practice a person has to play the casualty and another participant has to play the role of the first aider. This can lead to some awkward and difficult situations as not everyone may be willing to play along as a casualty or more likely not take it seriously enough and mess around. I have experienced this first hand on first aid courses I have attended, I have also created a questionnaire to gather information from others to see if their experience was the same as mine
Over course my next steps is to support this through my research. The next blog post will cover the research that I have done and the research I am planning to do over the next few days.
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