Raising mental health awareness using virtual reality and 3D narrative boards

Mohd Kudhri, Najjah Thuwaibah (2024) Raising mental health awareness using virtual reality and 3D narrative boards. Project Report. Melaka, Malaysia, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka. (Submitted)

Text (Full Text) Raising mental health awareness using virtual reality and 3D narrative boards.pdf - Submitted Version Download (5MB)

Abstract

This project explores the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) combined with 3D narrative boards to raise awareness of mental health issues, with a focus on depression. Traditional mental health education often struggles to engage individuals and foster empathy effectively. To address this, the project leverages VR’s immersive capabilities to create an interactive educational tool that offers a deeper understanding of depression. The primary objectives are to develop a VR experience that simulates the emotional and psychological experiences of individuals with depression and to evaluate its effectiveness in raising awareness. The development process involves designing 3D models in Blender, integrating them into Unreal Engine, and using narrative boards alongside AI-driven interactions to guide users through scenarios that depict the experiences of those affected by depression. Participants with limited exposure to mental health education are selected to engage with the VR environment, and their feedback is collected through post-interaction surveys. This data is then analyzed to refine the system, ensuring it meets educational goals. Results from the evaluation indicate that the VR experience successfully enhances participants' understanding of depression and empathy. The project demonstrates VR’s potential as a transformative tool for mental health education, offering an immersive alternative to traditional methods.

Actions (login required)

View Item