The purpose of this presentation was to present the findings of our research collected during phase two and open up the opportunity to start teaming up!
My research into safe spaces can be summarised and divided into four key topics of investigation, which I thought was the clearest way that I could present my findings to the class.
Beginning with Sense and Stimulation, I briefly summarised the research that I had shared with them or spoken about in studio time during phase one. This included the ways in which we process sensory information and how that has mental and physical effects on the mind and body.
I then gave a brief summary of sensory processing disorder - what it is, what causes it and how it makes processing sensory information different to those who do not suffer with it. People with sensory processing disorder navigate and experience the world very differently to others.
From sensory processing disorder, I then touched on "stimming" or self-stimulating behaviour. I shared with the class how almost everyone stims in some way or another, sometimes without even realising it, and how it can be used by anyone but those with sensory processing disorder in particular, to help manage feelings of stress and anxiety. I went through some common methods of self-stimulating that I thought the class could relate to so they could connect with and understand the topic on a personal level.
I next expressed what I thought was a key feature in my research as well as an instrumental tool for managing sensory processing disorder - music! Hearing and vision are the most effective senses that I will be able to engage with my players through and will be a major feature of the design of my game is semester two if I am to follow my intention of creating a stimulating experience that can be used for mental health support.
I very briefly summarised my research into identity because I feel like it had less traction in my research and idea development as well as just not gauging as much of my interest.
The presentation ended on my thoughts on immersion and how I would intend to use it in an experience that targets sensory stimulation, suggesting the creation of a virtual safe space that can help users work through a specific problem or feeling.