Virtual Reality De-Escalation Training Simulation
Empowering pediatric healthcare professionals with immersive emotional regulation training.
Project Summary
This interactive VR simulation trains pediatric healthcare staff to manage emotionally charged situations using communication strategies, de-escalation techniques, and reflective decision-making. Developed in partnership with a leading children’s hospital, the simulation leverages a branching, “choose-your-own-adventure” narrative to mirror real-life patient interactions.
Ideal for onboarding, continuing education, and simulation labs, the module supports learners in building confidence, applying therapeutic grounding techniques, and improving adaptability in high-stakes clinical encounters.
Training Objectives
- Navigate real-time consequences of clinical decisions
- Reinforce reciprocal regulation and communication skills
- Practice de-escalation strategies in a low-risk environment
- Enhance staff preparedness through embodied learning
Project Overview
Press Article
Duration: February2023 - November 2023
My Role
As Product and Narrative Lead, I co-developed the platform from concept to handover. I worked closely with the hospital’s clinical and project teams to define core features, therapeutic goals, and the branching narrative system. I managed communication across all levels—design, production, and executive—while also leading casting, motion capture logistics, and iterative playtesting.
Key Deliverables
- Maintained weekly status communications to align cross-functional teams
- Authored and refined branching narrative and VR learning arcs
- Mapped scenarios based on clinical case studies
- Hired audio + MOCAP teams; led MOCAP shoot planning
- Documented project updates, assets, and user feedback loops
- Led stakeholder reviews, bug tracking, and project handoff
Tools:
- Figma (Figma Jam)
- Unity Game Engine
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
Type of Experience: Virtual reality training simulation
Target Demographic: Health professional staff members at hospital, agerange 25 – 55
Target Device: HP Reverb G2
Distribution: Internal hospital use
Duration: Depending what on the learner selected, approximately 10-20minutes
Development Team:
PM: Brianna Lowe
Technical Lead: Ian Wood
Animation and 3D Graphics: Bohdan Ruzycky
Interaction Designer: Julieana Moon
Audio Team: Level Curve
MOCAP Studio: SIRT
Business Goal
To create a clinically aligned, immersive training solution that builds pediatric healthcare professionals' emotional intelligence, adaptability, and communication skills.
Strategic Objectives
Research & Discovery
Problem Definition
Key Design Decisions
Design Phases
Planning & Narrative Development
- Collaborated with the hospital team to define therapeutic goals and user outcomes
- Mapped user journeys and identified critical de-escalation scenarios
- Translated clinical workflows into branching story structures aligned with therapeutic objectives
Wireframing & Interaction Mapping
- Developed low-fidelity wireframes and storyboards to outline key interaction points
- Scripted learner decision points and emotional escalation pathways
- Incorporated accessibility considerations and user flow clarity from the outset
Iterative Review & Stakeholder Feedback
- Conducted ongoing reviews with hospital stakeholders, including clinicians and content leads
- Refined language, pacing, and tone based on clinical accuracy and trauma-informed design
- Adjusted branching logic and feedback systems based on expert insights
Prototyping & UX Validation
- Transitioned low-fi wireframes into high-fidelity mockups
- Built an interactive prototype simulating full learner paths and system feedback
- Facilitated testing sessions with multidisciplinary hospital staff to evaluate usability, clarity, and engagement
- Logged and addressed user feedback for final design implementation
Testing & QA
Challenges Faced
- VR Learning Curve: The hospital team was new to VR; understanding the technology required education via early prototypes
- Interdisciplinary Feedback: Balancing feedback across clinicians, tech teams, and designers required structured reviews
- Scope vs. Funding: Features had to align with grant constraints and staged development
- User Validation: Final comprehension of the experience solidified once the prototype became playable—an essential milestone
Next Steps
- Hospital to begin internal deployment of the simulation
- Plans underway to present the training module at key healthcare and education conferences
- Future roadmap includes additional narrative branches, expanded patient profiles, and ongoing testing for efficacy metrics
