Safe Break The Virtual “Third Place”
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Date
05-2021
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Abstract
“Safe Break” is an interactive experience for people with sensory sensitivity
to escape to a virtual “third place” when the outside world is overwhelming.
Inspired by VR experiences that emulate the autistic experience and taking
cues from VR Chat and Mozilla Hub, “Safe Break,” when adaptable by its users,
can provide sanctuary and a sense of belonging to those who find it difficult to
acclimate to visual and auditory overstimulation. A virtual third place like “Safe
Break” can be beneficial to young adults in fostering real world social
engagement and can be useful when in accordance with occupational
therapy and Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) intervention to help develop better
coping strategies. This fully mobile demo can transport players to a virtual
coffee shop—a typical example of a “third place,” social spaces between the
home and the workplace—where the skybox outside the shop and the
environment inside can be tailored to the user’s desired comfort level. In
addition, relaxing environment sounds can be customized to a player’s desired
volume. The user interface is designed to accommodate individuals with
varying degrees of ASD functionality. Immersion, Presence, and Narrative
Theory were considered in developing a convincing environment separate
from reality.
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Degree
Master of Art + Design
Discipline
Art + Design