About

Week 1Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5

Week 2 - Design Journey

Week 3 - Refining HMW & Precedent Research

Week 4 - Defining 3 Plans

Week 7 - Project Refinement

Week 8 - Continue VR Development & AI Chatbot Integration

Week 5 - Creating VR Project (Version 1)

Week 1 - Design Journey

Week 6Week 7

Week 6 - Explore Themes

Week 8Week 9Week 10

Week 10 - Implement AI Chatbot

Week 9 - Debugging and Finalizing

DESIGN 302 Design Journey Week 1

07/17/2024

This week went by quickly as I received valuable feedback from Roma (302), Nick (302), Bit (300), and Dr. Mairi (301). Their insights allowed me to further refine my project idea. I'm not a fast learner and struggle with last-minute tasks, so before the week started, I felt nervous, lost, and uncertain about the technical aspects of creating my final outcome. I reached out to Aldo (Fab Lab) for information on VR and how to create a VR space since I had no experience in this area. Aldo's valuable advice gave me a few points to consider:

1.) The tool I will be using to create the final outcome (VR space) will be Unreal Engine
2.) Begin with the Third Person Template.
3.) Learn basic Blueprints and Quixel.
4.) Move to VR once comfortable.

I started these steps one week before the semester to prepare. I tried to plan ahead because I was concerned that the workflows would be too tight, especially since I was also taking other courses (DES300, DES301, and COMPSCI130). However, the workload turned out to be lighter than I expected.

The feedback I received from Aldo (Fablab technician) inspired me and pushed me to refine my idea further. For example, I realized the importance of creating a VR space that is not just beautiful but also meaningful. I asked myself why this should be a VR experience instead of being done in real life and what aspects of the project couldn't be achieved in reality. This insight helped me refine my project's intention.

At this point, my idea was still immature, but I had some direction for the final project. I did my best to prepare as much as I could for the technical aspects to ensure that I could physically make my idea work without it being too challenging later on. I started by following an online tutorial on how to navigate Unreal Engine 5. The tutorial involved creating a scene from Star Wars, and through this process, I learned about materials, textures, basic modeling directly in Unreal Engine, realistic lighting such as ray tracing and cinematic light effects, HDRI, and character animations. I learned a lot by figuring things out while following the tutorial. This was my first environment created in Unreal Engine 5 following the tutorial.

Final Render (Unreal Engine 5)

During this week, I set up a simple timeline and used 301 Miro to organize my progress.

Timeline

To further refine my project intention, I created a brainstorm to note down all my ideas. I aimed to come up with ideas suitable for my HMW statement: "How might VR help people with depression who don't or can't seek professional support while avoiding a further sense of isolation from society due to a VR approach?" This question led to other questions: "What is depression? What would people with depression or those showing signs of depression prefer as a solution? What do they really need?" Depression for most people is a lifelong condition that can continuously recur, leading patients to fall into a loop where these feelings keep repeating. This is the problem I aim to solve.

Brainstorm

These were the five main factors I plan to stick with in my future project development process. At this point, I at least had a clear direction in mind to work on. I am excited to progress further and see how these ideas will develop next week.

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DESIGN 302 Design Journey Week 2

07/28/2024

Last week, I focused on continue learning how to use Unreal Engine (technical learning) and did some basic brainstorming to find direction for my project. This week, I began by revisiting my 300 design proposal to remind myself of what I need to improve based on feedback from Bit (300). I also looked into more inspirations that better suit my current idea, as the previous 300 proposal didn't quite align with my current vision.

As a student in the Technology stream, I shifted my project idea from a broader focus on "mental health" and "depression" to the current theme: "How might we design through the perspective of human-centered design?"

Based on my observations from having family members with depression, I've noticed that people with depression often experience a continuous cycle of pain. For some people this may come from childhood experiences or other factors, and despite undergoing treatment from psychologists, breaking this cycle can be challenging. Many individuals may not want to seek professional help, preferring instead a long-term friend or family member who will listen and provide constant support and guidance through their painful thoughts.

Currently, I have a brief plan in mind for a VR environment that offers patients a choice of various settings, each with different activities such as rock climbing, beach campfires, space exploration, etc. Each environment will have unique interactive features for patients to engage with, along with an interactive AI voice assistant they can talk to.

Drawing from these insights, the VR rock climbing approach combines physical activity with an AI chatbot that mimics human communication, offering users a supportive and engaging experience. The VR environment provides an accessible way for people to enjoy the benefits of rock climbing, even if they can't do it physically due to time constraints, physical limitations, or fear of heights. By focusing their attention on the immersive activity, individuals with depression can find relief from negative thoughts.

For this project, I will be using Maya, 3ds Max, Unreal Engine 5, and Miro. During the mid-semester break, I learned a lot about how to use these 3D software tools in preparation, and this is my process of creating my first model in 3D max just to learn how to navigate and get use to the software.

Process of learning 3D MAX

Now next week I am looking to focus more on refining my design proposal, re-evaluating, and updating my project direction as I continue progressing.

My previous 300 design proposal lacked sufficient detail in demonstrating existing cases (precedents). Next week, while refining my proposal, I will focus on exploring existing cases in more depth, specifically refining ideas and sources of inspiration. I am excited to delve deeper and start the next stage of progress.

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Week 3 - Refining HMW & Precedent Research

This week, my reflection will be structured according to the Four F's of Active Reviewing by Dr. Roger Greenaway. It has been a busy week filled with exploration. I spent the week refining my "How Might We" (HMW) statements and delving deeper into precedent research. Each day brought new insights and challenges, pushing me to think creatively and critically about potential solutions. I analyzed various existing case studies, drawing connections between successful strategies and their underlying principles. This exploration enriched my understanding and inspired innovative ideas that could be applied to my projects. By the end of the week, I felt more equipped and motivated to move on to the next phases of my work with renewed enthusiasm and a clearer direction.

[The four F's of active reviewing, Greenaway, R., (n.d.)]

‍Facts:
‍At the start of the week, I reflected on and worked on improving my project based on feedback from last week's studio session. I focused on several key tasks that significantly advanced my project:Last week, I explored various VR interventions like BraveMind, Richie’s Plank Experience, and a VR game designed for children with stress and anxiety. Analyzing these interventions provided insights into what works, what doesn’t, and where there are gaps in the existing solutions. This research helped refine the "How Might We" (HMW) statement.I then refined the HMW statement to better align with the specific needs of individuals showing early signs of depression. The updated statement now considers the importance of not exacerbating feelings of isolation when using VR as a therapeutic tool.

‍Feelings:
‍Throughout the week, I experienced a range of emotions, from excitement about the potential impact of my project to moments of doubt about whether my approach would truly resonate with the target audience. Researching existing interventions was particularly useful, allowing me to create something aimed at being innovative yet practical. However, refining the HMW statement was challenging, as I wanted to ensure it was both specific and meaningful. By the end of the week, I felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that each task brought me closer to a well-rounded design proposal.

‍Findings:
‍One of the key insights this week was the importance of realism and immersion in VR therapy. The research emphasized that while VR has immense potential, its effectiveness hinges on how convincing and engaging the experience is. I realized that for my VR rock climbing scene to be effective, it needs to be visually realistic and emotionally engaging, guiding users toward positive thinking. I also found that narrowing down the focus to a specific aspect of depression, such as ‘early signs,’ allowed for a more targeted and effective design.Another significant finding was the ethical considerations involved in designing for mental health. Ensuring participant privacy, obtaining informed consent, and implementing data protection measures are crucial. This awareness will guide the development of my VR experience, ensuring it is beneficial and ethically sound.

‍Future:
‍Looking ahead, my next steps will involve deepening my understanding of the user experience by conducting informal discussions and usability testing with potential users. I aim to gather qualitative data that will inform the design of the VR environment, ensuring it meets the needs of those experiencing early signs of depression. I will also explore incorporating AI to personalize the experience further, making it more adaptive to individual users' needs.

Additionally, I plan to address the limitations identified in the existing interventions, such as the need for greater realism and the challenge of accessibility. This will involve exploring more accessible hardware options and considering how to enhance the immersive qualities of the VR experience through better graphics and user interaction design.In conclusion, this week has been a pivotal step in my journey. Overall, reflecting on my progress using the Four F's made the process much easier and clarified what challenges remain and how I can move forward with a clear, focused strategy.

Positionality and Bias Awareness:
As I reflect on the development of my VR project, I realize that my background as a design and computer science student, along with my personal experiences and interests, has likely shaped my approach to the design process. I tend to prioritize technical innovation and user engagement, which might lead me to focus heavily on the immersive and realistic aspects of VR therapy. However, I recognize that this emphasis could unintentionally overlook other crucial factors, such as users' emotional and psychological needs, especially those who may not be as comfortable with technology.My understanding of mental health issues is primarily informed by academic research and personal experiences within my family, where depression is present. This may limit my ability to fully empathize with users who are dealing with early signs of depression. Such limitations could introduce biases in how I interpret the effectiveness of certain design elements.To address these potential biases, I plan to conduct research and gather observations from individuals who are experiencing early signs of depression, rather than those who are already dealing with more advanced stages. This approach will help ensure that the design is tailored to meet the needs of its intended audience. By remaining conscious of my own positionality, I aim to create a more inclusive and effective VR solution.

Reference:
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Meta-analysis: Bryant, R. A., Moulds, M. L., & Nixon, G. R. (2022). Virtual reality exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis and dose-response meta-regression of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 78(1), 1-17.

Rizzo, A. S., & Shilling, R. (2017). Clinical virtual reality tools to advance the prevention, assessment, and treatment of PTSD. In P. L. Schnurr & B. Litz (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of traumatic stress disorders (2nd ed., pp. 389-409). Oxford University Press. https://medvr.ict.usc.edu/projects/bravemind.html
Toast Interactive. (n.d.). Richie’s Plank Experience. Toast Interactive. https://toastinteractive.com/richiesplankexperience/

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. (2022). Can VR help teens regulate emotions? UW School of Medicine and Public Health. https://www.med.wisc.edu/news/can-vr-help-teens-regulate-emotions ‍

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Week 4 - Defining 3 Plans

This week, my journey involved working through and completing my Plans A, B, and C, all based on my precedent research from last week. I reviewed the data and insights gathered previously, ensuring that each plan was well-thought-out and aligned with the project's aims. I also dedicated time to exploring the materials I plan to use for my project. This exploration included evaluating various options for suitability, durability, and aesthetic qualities, ensuring they align with the project's goals and vision. By integrating these materials into my plans, I aimed to create a comprehensive and cohesive approach that meets the project requirements and improves its overall effectiveness.

[The four F's of active reviewing, Greenaway, R., (n.d.)]

Facts:
‍I began by deciding on the hardware, choosing the Vive PRO EYE VR due to its compatibility with Unreal Engine 5 and its eye-tracking capabilities. This decision came after evaluating past experiences with the Oculus Quest 2, which did not meet my quality standards. The tasks this week included material exploration, researching the FabLab equipment list, and drafting the three project plans (Plan A, B, and C) for the VR environment. I focused on how to best integrate an AI chatbot and physical activities like rock climbing to promote positive thinking in users.

‍Feelings:
‍Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the scope of the project, particularly with Plan A, which involves high-quality graphics and voice AI chatbot integration. However, breaking down the project into three distinct plans allowed me to manage expectations and feel more in control of the project’s direction. The satisfaction of choosing the right VR equipment was a significant milestone, giving me confidence that the project is technically on the right track.

‍Findings:
‍Through the exploration of VR equipment and the initial planning stages, I found that the level of interactivity and the inclusion of AI features would significantly impact the user experience. The eye-tracking feature of the Vive PRO EYE VR, in particular, opened up possibilities for more personalized and responsive user interactions. Additionally, I discovered that while Plan A is ambitious, it is achievable with careful resource and time management, as well as well-thought-out iterative development.

‍Future:
‍Moving forward, the next steps involve prototyping the basic VR environment as outlined in Plan C, which will serve as a foundation for more complex interactions and AI integration in Plans A and B. I plan to start simple, focusing on the user interface and initial interactions within the VR space, before gradually adding more advanced features like the AI chatbot. The environment will progress from a low-fidelity prototype for testing to the final climbing hill scene. The upcoming week will also include user testing with early prototypes to gather feedback, which will be essential in refining the experience.

Awareness of Positionality:
Through the design process, my focus on incorporating elements like rock climbing and mindfulness into the VR experience reflects my own journey in managing stress and maintaining mental health. While these activities have been beneficial for me, I’m beginning to question whether they will be effective and relevant to the diverse range of people I’m designing for. This realization has led me to consider the importance of ensuring that the solutions I’m developing are not merely a reflection of what has worked for me, but are genuinely relevant and helpful to the intended users.Recognizing this, I plan to engage with a broader range of users early in the testing phase to gather insights that will inform more inclusive design decisions. Additionally, seeking input from professionals who understand the varied needs of different communities will be important in making sure the features I prioritize are broadly applicable. This approach will help me move beyond my own experiences, ensuring the final outcome is effective and accessible for the targeted users.

Reference:
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University of Auckland. (n.d.). Spatial Lab VR setup. Design Tech. https://designtech.blogs.auckland.ac.nz/spacial-lab-vr-setup/

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Week 5 - Creating VR Project (Version 1)

I began figuring out the interactive components, such as the VR controller hand grabbing onto a block to simulate a rock climbing animation that works with VR controllers. Throughout this experience, my main focus was to quickly familiarize myself with the operating procedures so I can avoid panicking over technical elements in the final few weeks of creating the VR environment. This time, I will continue using the framework for reflection, the Four F's of Active Reviewing, designed by Dr. Roger Greenaway.

[The four F's of active reviewing, Greenaway, R., (n.d.)]

[Project VR Version 1, My Unreal Engine Screenshot]

Facts:
‍I began developing Version 1 of the VR scene, with an emphasis on the rock climbing activity. I focused on creating the nodes for the VR controllers. This step was essential as it directly controls how the user interacts with objects within the VR environment.

‍Feelings:
I felt both excited and apprehensive about moving on to creating the first version of the VR space. Seeing the concept come to life in a virtual space was incredibly satisfying, yet I felt a certain level of apprehension as I moved into testing and developing the necessary nodes needed for the VR. I will focus on starting to develop the project.
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‍Findings:
‍Reconsidering the purpose behind my project has emphasized the importance of returning to core objectives when faced with challenges. Initially, the focus was on creating a VR experience that promotes positive thinking. According to Eventyr (n.d.), creating immersive VR experiences requires a holistic approach to design and development. This research allowed me to gain key insights, such as realizing that the rock climbing activity, while engaging, highlighted certain design flaws that affected user orientation :

These are the several key insights for VR development:
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Complicated Controls:
Too complex controls can confuse users and break their immersion, so it is necessary to keep interfaces simple and easy to use.

Visual Quality:
Poor graphics, delays, or glitches should be avoided, which is essential to maintaining clear visuals and a sense of depth.

Sound Design:
unrelative, unnecessary or unrealistic sounds can reduce immersion, so good audio design is necessary for directing mood.

User Comfort:
Possible of getting motion sickness or fatigue, so providing options to adjust comfort or providing the option to stop immediately is essential.

This realization prompted me to rethink the approach. Instead of solely focusing on the activity and AI chatbot, I should consider how the overall environment contributes to the user experience. I also realized that the experience's emotional impact might not be as strong as intended, suggesting that more immersive elements are needed. By incorporating additional environmental details and perhaps guided audio, the VR experience could better achieve its goal of influencing mood. Usability was another area that required attention. Navigating the VR space proved difficult for some users, indicating the need for clearer instructions and a more intuitive design. I will need to address these issues to ensure the experience is accessible and effective.

‍Future:
‍Moving forward, my focus will be on refining the VR (Version 1) based on the feedback received. This process includes conducting further testing with Version 1 to gather feedback, particularly on the experience's effectiveness in promoting positive thinking and its overall usability. Additionally, I will explore ways to increase the emotional impact of the experience, potentially through the integration of guided meditations or supportive audio elements.

Awareness of Positionality:
As I reflect on my design approach for the VR climbing experience, I recognize that my enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology might influence my choices. My preference for high-tech solutions like eye-tracking and advanced VR controls could lead to features that may not align with users' actual needs or preferences. This positionality could inadvertently prioritize technological complexity over user-friendliness.To counteract this bias, I will actively seek feedback from users across different tech proficiency levels and backgrounds. By conducting user testing sessions with diverse participants, I aim to balance the technical sophistication of the VR environment with practical usability. This approach will help ensure that the VR experience is designed to meet the broad needs of users, rather than just reflecting my personal preferences.

Questions:
While the current focus is on refining the VR environment based on user feedback, this led me to a few questions about whether the emphasis on realism and technical sophistication is truly helping the target audience. For instance, are the AI chatbot, rock climbing activities and high-fidelity graphics effective for helping with early signs of depression, or are they creating unnecessary barriers for users who are less familiar with VR technology?What if we prioritized emotional impact over usability? Is there a risk that prioritizing visual and technical aspects might overshadow other critical elements, such as emotional impact and overall user comfort? What if simplifying the features and focusing more on creating a calming, immersive environment could lead to a more effective experience in promoting positive thinking, even if it means sacrificing some of the technical complexities and features?

By exploring these questions, I hope to create innovative design solutions that prioritize user comfort and emotional impact over technical complexity and features.

Reference
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Eventyr. (n.d.). Creating immersive VR experiences: Best practices for design and development. Eventyr.https://eventyr.pro/blog/creating-immersive-vr-experiences-best-practices-for-design-and-development/

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Week 6 - Explore Themes

This is the last week before the holidays, and it has been a busy one. I spent most of my time rebuilding and rethinking the themes and aims I want to achieve with my project. For this reflection, I will continue using the Four F's of Active Review, designed by Dr. Roger Greenaway.

[The four F's of active reviewing, Greenaway, R., (n.d.)]

Facts:
‍To begin, I sought feedback on my project, specifically the AI aspect. I discussed with a peer whether a visual AI chatbot was necessary, which led me to reconsider my approach. I decided to shift from a physically visible AI to an invisible one—a voice-based chatbot that interacts solely through audio. This change made more sense, particularly for this project (a rock climbing activity), where it was essential for users to focus on the activity. The AI would serve as a guide to encourage positive thinking rather than distract them with a physical, NPC-like chatbot.

‍Feelings:
‍I felt slightly frustrated and overwhelmed by the themes and the implementation goals, but as I explored and refined my precedents, I became more confident in the direction I was heading.

‍Findings:
‍I refined the visual elements, AI chatbot concept, and VR AI interaction types, and also considered the limitations of current interventions. This helped me clarify what was essential and what wasn’t. I took a step back to reevaluate my plans, ensuring that my approach wasn’t just based on personal preference but that it also addressed some of the limitations in current interventions. My aim is to stay focused on creating something useful and necessary for the target community, rather than being overly concerned with aesthetics. To achieve this, I put myself in the users' shoes, asking: "What would I really need? Is this helpful, meaningful, and impactful? What is essential, and what isn’t?" This helped me avoid assumptions and focus on practical design.

‍Future:
‍In the future, I will keep in mind the core purpose of the project's outcome. During the holidays, I plan to delve deeper into these themes, but for now, I’ve found my direction for each aspect.

[Explore Themes, My Miro Board]

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Week 7 - Project Refinement

This reflection will use Dr. Roger Greenaway's "Four F's" active review framework. Returning from holiday this week, I’ve been struggling to get back into the rhythm of work.

[Figure 1: The four F's of active reviewing, Greenaway, R., (n.d.)]

Refining Project Aims:
The main aim is to create a VR environment with multiple spaces or environments that individuals can choose from and personalize, including how the AI chatbot interacts with them. In this space, users can engage in activities like rock climbing, swimming, or simply relaxing and meditating while interacting with the chatbot. The assumption is that, through physical activity, users’ attention will gradually shift from negative, noisy thoughts to more positive ones over time. This will be facilitated by both the AI chatbot and the environment design, while ensuring that the VR approach doesn’t lead to a sense of isolation from society.

Facts:
While I didn’t make significant progress during the holiday, I did refine my project aims and the final outcomes, giving me a clearer sense of direction to start with. I created a to-do list to work through and organized project contents before moving further into the project.

To-do list

[Figure 2: To-do list, my miro]

To clarify what absolutely needs to be included in the VR project, I listed the features and their purposes.

[Figure 3: Features, my miro]

Feelings:
Coming back from the holiday and readjusting to the work rhythm has been quite challenging. I’ve felt stressed and frustrated at times, but creating a to-do list helped me refine my workflow. Completing tasks one by one gave me a sense of accomplishment.

Findings:
After finalizing the project’s purpose and aims, I had a clearer direction on how to proceed step by step. I feel more prepared for future development. I also found that sticking to a user-centered design approach is crucial to ensure the outcome is both effective and meaningful. Feedback from the 301 presentation made me realize the importance of focusing on how the AI component interacts and fulfills its purpose, rather than being overly focused on the visual aspects of the VR space.
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Future:
Moving forward, I plan to focus on the AI component first to ensure it is fully developed as expected, and then address how the project prevents creating social isolation, despite being VR-based. I also plan to readjust my Miro weekly to-do list, as there are adjustments I need to make based on progress made over the weeks.

Reference
Greenaway, R. (1970) The four F’s of active reviewing, The University of Edinburgh. Available at: https://www.ed.ac.uk/reflection/reflectors-toolkit/reflecting-on-experience/four-f (Accessed: 13 September 2024).

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Week 8 - Continue VR Development & AI Chatbot Integration

This week, I’m once again using Dr. Roger Greenaway's "Four F's" active review framework. The focus was primarily on developing the VR space and figuring out how to implement the AI chatbot within Unreal Engine 5.

[Figure 1: The four F's of active reviewing, Greenaway, R., (n.d.)]

Facts:
This week, my two main tasks were preparing for a presentation on Thursday and continuing the VR development. I reviewed my Miro board and project materials and decided to use the Oculus Quest 2 for quick testing of the VR space, given time constraints. After receiving feedback from the presentation, I shifted my focus toward developing the AI component, working with Inworld AI to integrate it into the VR environment.

Feelings:
This week was particularly stressful as I had to balance multiple important tasks, including presentation preparation and meeting development milestones. However, being able to test the VR space and receive feedback helped me clarify my next steps.

Findings:
I realized that working under pressure can sometimes force quick decisions, like using the Oculus Quest 2 for testing. While this helped me meet my deadline, I need to ensure I balance time constraints with quality and functionality moving forward. The feedback from the presentation highlighted areas where the AI chatbot interaction can be improved, especially in terms of its responsiveness and adaptability within the VR space.

Future:
In the upcoming weeks, I plan to further refine the VR space based on the feedback from the presentation. I will continue focusing on improving the AI chatbot interaction, ensuring it enhances user experience while still aligning with the project’s overall goals. I also intend to conduct more thorough testing with the Oculus Quest 2 to gather additional insights before moving to the next development phase.

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Week 9 - Debugging and Finalizing

In this week's reflection, I'll be using the Four F's of active review framework, designed by Dr. Roger Greenaway, to explore recent work in debugging and finalizing one of the VR projects to ensure everything is functioning as expected.

[Figure 1: The four F's of active reviewing, Greenaway, R., (n.d.)]

Lights were added to the climbing rocks to improve visibility, as the environment's dark theme made it difficult to see.

[Figure 2: Heroshot. My Unreal Engine Project]

Facts:
‍This week, I focused on exploring techniques for rapidly creating VR landscape environments for early-stage experimentation. As I tested different software tools, I began shaping initial environments that will serve as a foundation for the project’s interactive elements. My next milestone is to complete and implement the AI component into the VR space, with plans to showcase this in the form of a video demonstration.

‍Feelings:
‍The process felt like an exciting exploration of the possibilities within VR design, but also somewhat overwhelming as I navigated unfamiliar software. There was a balance between moments of discovery and frustration, particularly when I hit technical limitations. Still, I felt a sense of progress in getting closer to building a cohesive VR environment. I’m eager to see how the AI component will enhance the immersive experience.
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‍Findings:
‍I realized that prototyping different landscape environments early on has helped me better understand what works well in VR and what feels flat or less engaging. Experimenting with multiple software tools provided insight into how each platform’s unique features can contribute to a more seamless design process. I also learned the importance of balancing creativity with technical constraints to avoid getting stuck in time-consuming iterations.

‍Future:
‍Next week, I’m aiming to finalize the AI integration into the VR environment, which will significantly elevate the project’s interactivity. The AI will add a dynamic layer to the experience, and I’ll focus on testing how it interacts with the landscapes I’ve created. My goal is to push the boundaries of immersion while staying mindful of user experience design principles, ensuring the environment and AI work together cohesively. I anticipate this phase will bring new challenges, but I’m ready to iterate and refine based on testing outcomes.

Reference:
Greenaway, R. (1970) The four F’s of active reviewing, The University of Edinburgh. Available at: https://www.ed.ac.uk/reflection/reflectors-toolkit/reflecting-on-experience/four-f.

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Week 10 - Debugging and Finalizing

In this week's reflection, I'll be using the Four F's of active review framework, designed by Dr. Roger Greenaway, for reflecting this weeks work on integrating AI into the VR project.

[Figure 1: The four F's of active reviewing, Greenaway, R., (n.d.)]

Facts:
‍This week, I focused on implementing the AI, specifically how it interacts with users. My primary aim was to create a chatbot that responds in a seamless, personalized way, adapting to each user based on the information it learns from them. The chatbot avoids giving any medical advice or being used for professional medical purposes. Instead, it simulates casual, friendly conversations, guiding users away from negative thoughts and encouraging a more positive mindset over time.

‍Feelings:
‍I felt a mix of anticipation and responsibility while developing the AI chatbot. On one hand, it was exciting to see the AI’s interaction style come to life and feel natural in conversations. On the other hand, I was mindful of the importance of ensuring the chatbot’s influence is positive and non-intrusive. The challenge of balancing personalization with ethical considerations kept me engaged throughout the process. I also felt a growing sense of accomplishment as the chatbot began functioning closer to how I envisioned it.

‍Findings:
‍Through this process, I realized that refining the chatbot’s conversational flow is key to creating a meaningful and impactful user experience. The subtle way the AI steers conversations toward positivity is delicate work, and testing revealed how important it is to anticipate a wide range of user inputs. I also found that attention to ethical guidelines, particularly around sensitive topics, is essential in maintaining user trust. This week highlighted the need to fine-tune the AI’s responses to ensure they align with the project’s goals of creating a supportive, friendly environment.

‍Future:
‍Looking forward, my focus will be on finalizing the AI’s integration into the VR space. I plan to thoroughly test the interactions to ensure everything runs smoothly and address any feedback that has yet to be implemented. Additionally, I aim to refine the user experience further, ensuring that the chatbot remains engaging while maintaining ethical boundaries. As the project evolves, I’ll continue to reflect on how the AI can best serve its purpose in guiding users toward a more positive mental space.

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