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Paper short abstract:

The goal of this case study is to closely examine the design process of BioMinds XR, a virtual and augmented reality-based therapeutic system for stroke patients. The paper focuses on the design methods used to develop design solutions for a training (smart)home.

Paper long abstract:

Stroke is recognized as the primary cause of disability globally. Over the last ten years, the use of virtual reality (VR) in stroke rehabilitation has gained popularity, with recent studies showing that virtual environments are more effective than traditional physiotherapy. The purpose of this study is to examine the design process of BioMinds XR, a therapeutic system for adults with neurological disorders based on virtual reality, created by a Polish startup. The prototype of a virtual training (smart)home enables the simulation of various daily activities performed within the home. Unlike the current non-virtual therapy based on simple, single-element activities, this virtual training (smart)home allows patients to safely practice more complex activities both at home and in institutional contexts. The developed prototype is presently undergoing pre-clinical tests to assess its effectiveness in comparison to conventional therapy, and it is expected to be registered as a medical device next year.

I am closely examining the design process of (smart)home technologies using the case study described above. The BioMinds training (smart)home has been developed by a team of interdisciplinary experts including neuropsychologists, neurologists, physiotherapists, computer scientists, VR/AR designers, developers, and cultural studies experts, who have many years of clinical practice, scientific achievements, and experience with VR technology. Patient involvement in the process is being carried out at the pre-clinical test level, with surveys being conducted to evaluate the use of the device and individual tasks within it. Insights gained from these surveys will be used to direct possible adaptations of the device.