This week we have been focusing on prototyping. The team has created a rough prototype of stage 1 in Quest Pro. We have also met Dr.Silk from the Psychology department of University of Pittsburgh. She gave us some good advice on our prototype and is interested in guiding us for the rest of the semester.
Prototyping
In this prototype, the player will see many eyes around them. When the player makes eye contact with an eye. The eye starts blinking. This prototype is made to test eye tracking, and animation
Concept
Since our prototype has an abstract and surreal style, we spent a lot of time discussing what the NPCs look like, whether it’s cartoony or realistic, one eye or two eyes. We have made some concept art and made an inspiration board.
Meeting with Dr.Silk
The team met Dr.Silk on Friday. Dr.Silk came to the Entertainment Technology Center and tried our prototype. Here are some suggestions that Dr. Silk gave:
- The experience should be longer overall to give participants enough stimulation. We can combine stage 1 and stage 2
- We should start with something that’s closer to reality. The anxiety level should be similar to real life experience but not more than it.
- The experience overall should be mostly positive, especially when we are doing it without a facilitator. We should incorporate some scenarios that players can have a successful interaction with the NPCs
- Doing SUDS reading while the experience is happening is common in exposure therapy. Perspiration could also be something that we do more research into
- NPCs with 2 eyes and eyebrows can convey more emotions
Agenda for next week
- Continue prototyping
- Prepare for ½ presentation