VR versus Phobias : An exploration of Virtual Reality in exposure therapy

Abstract: Interest in Virtual Reality (VR) is growing fast. Tech companies are now starting to identify its most relevant application that will make it desireable. The use of VR in healthcare and mental health, has been proven through clinical research. Moreover, patient support programs extend treatment to people’s homes. An underlying opportunity was to envision a service for remote treatment of phobias with exposure therapy through VR. During the process, I conducted desk research, interviews, a workshop, prototyping and user testing. I collected evidence to lay out the service experience and communicate the key role of the therapist in the overall journey. My goal was to maximize the leaning outcome of exposure therapy and avoid the return of fear. Focusing on VR for the mobile phone, as the most accessible hardware for the broad audience, I created examples of exposure experience, that demonstrate the therapist’s presence and the user’s interactions with the environment.