Timeline
19 Jan 2024 - 11 May 2024
Background
The ultrasound-guided central line procedure is a critical medical technique, requiring precise hand-eye coordination and simultaneous movement of both hands. This skill is vital for accurately inserting a catheter into a large vein, ensuring patient safety and procedural efficiency. However, mastering this delicate coordination of the ultrasound probe in one hand and the syringe in the other presents a significant learning curve for medical residents.
Recognizing this challenge, the "Explore The Cave" was conceptualized to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. This innovative solution leverages gamification to create an interactive, immersive environment where resident doctors can hone their skills in a virtual playful environment.
The game's storyline revolved around guiding players to collect gems scattered atop a cylindrical structure within a cave environment. The gems remained hidden until the MetaQuest 3 joysticks were placed in the correct positions, mimicking the simultaneous placement of the probe and syringe during a real-life central line procedure. This gamified approach not only encouraged practice but also ensured realistic hand-eye coordination training.
User Research
User Interviews
UX Design
Sketching, Low & high fidelity wireframes, Interaction Design, Prototyping, Usability Testing
Project Management
Project Coordination, Requirements Gathering, Stakeholder Communication, Sprint Planning, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Prioritizing Features, Quality Assurance
Planning
The project commenced with a visit to the LSU Health Sciences Center, where our team held an intensive brainstorming session with the doctors involved in the project. These discussions laid the foundation for understanding the critical requirements and goals of the project. Recognizing the complexity of integrating virtual reality into medical training for the first time, we prioritized collaboration and open-ended exploration to develop the most effective solution.
To ensure a comprehensive approach, the initial plan involved dividing into four groups, each tasked with creating a unique VR game concept. The rationale behind this strategy was to allow the doctors to explore diverse options and gather insights into how virtual reality could address the nuances of training for the ultrasound-guided central line procedure. Once the four prototypes were developed, we presented them to the doctors for evaluation. The feedback was instrumental in identifying the strengths and areas for improvement in each game. Based on this feedback, we synthesized the most impactful elements into a cohesive plan and began crafting the game story.
The game story went through several iterations, with multiple concepts being presented and refined in collaboration with the doctors. Rigorous brainstorming sessions ensured
that the final narrative was both engaging and aligned with the training objectives. Given
the innovative nature of the project and the evolving scope of requirements, we adopted
an agile development methodology. This approach allowed for iterative progress, frequent feedback loops, and adaptability, ensuring the project remained aligned with its goals at every stage.
Design & Prototyping
To translate the game story concepts into reality, we initiated the design process by creating quick sketches of the game's environment, props, and low-fidelity wireframes for each screen. These early visualizations allowed us to iterate rapidly, aligning core elements with the project objectives. Stakeholders were actively involved in this phase, providing critical feedback that shaped the initial direction.
Once the wireframes were approved, we progressed to high-fidelity 3D environment designs, meticulously crafting a polished and interactive game interface. Unreal Engine served as the backbone for the entire game development process. The engine’s robust physics system and interaction mechanisms were critical in simulating the precise movement of the joysticks, mirroring the medical procedure's nuances.
Testing & Optimization
We conducted an initial playtest at the LSU Health Sciences Center with a focus group comprising new resident doctors along with key project stakeholders. This hands-on evaluation provided invaluable insights, revealing areas where the game mechanics could be improved to better simulate real-life procedural requirements. Feedback from the participants highlighted opportunities to adjust movement sensitivity, refine gem visibility mechanics, and enhance the alignment of joystick controls with the probe-and-syringe interaction.
Based on this feedback, we entered an iterative refinement process. The team collaborated to optimize the game's mechanics, ensuring an intuitive and immersive experience. Further adjustments were made to the 3D environment, story elements, and visual cues to better align with the user needs. By maintaining an agile approach to testing and incorporating feedback at every stage, we ensured the final design met the technical and usability expectations.
Deployment
Given the specialized nature and unique audience, we chose to publish it on App Lab instead of the Meta Quest Store. App Lab provided the perfect platform, allowing us to deliver the game directly to our target audience without the need for store approval, while maintaining accessibility and platform integration. This approach ensured that the game remained focused on its niche audience and training objectives.
After publishing the app, we organized a final demo session at LSU Health Sciences Center. During this session, resident doctors and stakeholders experienced the game firsthand, providing an opportunity to showcase its features and gather final feedback. The demo not only reinforced the game's utility but also highlighted the potential of VR as an effective training tool in medical education. This deployment marked the culmination of months of collaboration, testing, and refinement, delivering an innovative solution tailored to the needs of the medical community.
