Gamification of relaxation techniques in virtual reality

This is my final year dissertation project, for this I knew I wanted to work with technology that I had not yet had the opportunity to work with on the course so far. This led me to consider projects that focused on virtual reality or machine learning, due to having chosen an optional module that focused on machine learning I opted to focus on VR. The idea came about in part due to the pandemic where I considered the ability for VR to provide users with the ability to escape the environment 

Software: Unity, Blender, Visual Studios, C#

Project aims:

• To deepen own knowledge of virtual reality development
• Create a relaxing experience for users that can be used to assist with or help manage stress
• Create a relaxing virtual reality environment utilising the Unity Engine
• Give the user the feeling of progression common in video games

Project development context:

• Final year dissertation project
• Developed using the Unity Engine and C#
• Used the Unity XR Interaction toolkit package for VR development
• Project required extensive research into relaxation environments to identify common and critical factors
• Incorporates a sound system that is operated by user self-selection, providing a choice of relaxing sounds

Project Reflection/ Evaluation:

• All aims of the dissertation were achieved
• Peer feedback reported positive feelings of relaxation and calmness. The graphics were well-received with the vast majority saying that they liked the bright and vivid colours. The simple environments that were not cluttered provided a sense of space and calmness
• Initial development was undertaken with future expansion in mind in order to allow the project to run on multiple VR platforms.

This includes ensuring models and artwork were not load demanding so they can operate on standalone devices without the power of a PC, as well as action-based input for the control systems to allow the project to work across a wide range of devices.

Unfortunately, due to not having access to other devices other than my personal headset compatibility with a range of devices was not fully established, it would remain an important next stage development.

Project Download:
VR Relaxation Game.zip 

Project Build:
Build Dis.zip