Description of a Human-Centered Design Approach to Develop Novel Virtual Reality Applications to Improve Functional Outcomes Following Brain Injury

Research Objectives Brain injury continues to be a leading cause of serious long-term disability. The objective of this project is to develop and implement innovative assessment and intervention strategies, via robotics and virtual reality systems, to improve balance and walking capabilities for persons with neurologic conditions. Design A Human-centered design (HCD) framework is being used to guide the development process and to ensure its end products are usable and useful. HCD develops solutions by involving the stakeholder perspective in all steps of the problem solving process - which includes brainstorming, conceptualizing, developing, and implementing the solution. Setting Remote collaboration between a Neuro-recovery Center and an independent virtual reality (VR) and robotics laboratory (Immersive Experience Laboratories LLC (IXL)). Participants Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, persons with traumatic brain injury, and VR application hardware and software developers. Interventions Not Applicable. Main Outcome Measures Description of the development process of a clinician-designed virtual reality (VR) application for deployment with individuals recovering from brain injury; time to initial uptake of technology; patient and clinician preferences; and clinical outcome scores. Results Focus group meetings with clinicians have revealed needs that have strong potential to be effectively addressed by immersive and interactive virtual-reality (VR) interventions, including Identification of Hazards, Care of Others, Garage Time, and Guided Walking. Development of functional platforms for immersive VR training and asset development of indoor household settings is principally complete. Development of treadmill-integrated gait-management platform is principally complete. We currently continue iterative development of content with biweekly feedback from subject-matter-expert clinicians. Conclusions The HCD framework could be readily adaptable to other rehabilitation centers interested in developing and implementing these kinds of technologies for the patients they serve. Author(s) Disclosures No conflicts of interest