Claustrophobia
AR glasses concept for claustrophobia
Introduction
Claustrophobia is a mental health condition in which people feel intense discomfort and a sense of being trapped.
To help people who live with it, I developed a concept for Augmented Reality glasses. They support the wearer in the situations where claustrophobia is most challenging.
AR Glasses Demo
Small rooms
In the showcased demo, we witnessed the transformative power of AR glasses in converting a cramped dorm room into a spacious and open-feeling environment.
Leveraging advanced screen tracking capabilities, these AR glasses excel in creating a virtual expansion, transporting users to an entirely different world.
The glasses facilitate an immersive audio experience, transferring audio content with active noise cancellation. Combining these features, including nature sounds, results in the creation of a soothing and calming environment.
Customization
Since all of the windows are virtual, it gives us the option to explore and customize. You could find the perfect spot from the mountains to the snowy forest or even go adventurous and change it to the moon!
AR Glasses Demo
Tunnels
Tunnels are also known to cause problems for claustrophobic people.
These glasses enhance visibility in dark tunnels and feature sidewall guidelines for easy navigation towards the exit.
Opening the roof reveals the sky, creating a sense of openness.
AR glasses provide additional details like exit distance, while also playing mood-enhancing music for a comforting journey.
Crowds
Crowded public spaces often induce anxiety and feelings of being trapped.
Here the AR glasses come to the rescue. They function by identifying safe zones (areas free from crowds.)
Users are guided to these safe zones through visible guidelines, ensuring a clear path even from a distance.
The safe zones are visible from distance.
Elevator
I created a brief VR elevator simulation to illustrate the claustrophobic experience. In this simulation, I demonstrate how AR glasses, through virtual expansion, alleviate discomfort in confined spaces, showcasing their potential as a supportive tool in claustrophobic scenarios.
MRI machines
MRI machines often trigger claustrophobia. In response, the AR glasses offer solace.
Patients, lying down for an MRI, can wear the glasses, immersing themselves in calming visuals like clouds or a soothing place.
The glasses' noise cancellation enhances the experience. While current constraints like metal in MRI settings pose challenges, envisioning future solutions involves exploring materials like biotech and plastic.
Exposure Therapy
While not the primary focus of my concept, AR glasses could potentially serve as a tool for exposure therapy.
The idea involves gradually reducing the size of virtual windows on the walls through the glasses.
This progressive adjustment aims to help individuals acclimate to confined spaces, fostering increased comfort until the point where the glasses are no longer needed.
