The blues

Abstract

The Blues is an interactive VR-experience about panic disorder (multiple panic attacks) and agoraphobia (fear of open places) that seeks to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. It provides an intimate glimpse into the daily life of a girl who suffers from spontaneous seemingly out- of-the-blue panic attacks, and the fear of recurring attacks. To achieve the claustrophobic symptoms of anxiety attacks and fear we made use of a virtual reality head-mounted display (Oculus Consumer Version), interactive ambisonic sound and Oculus Touch Controller to transmit the movement of the user. The experience leads the user to exercise breathing techniques, known to reduce the symptoms of a panic attacks and restore a comfortable breathing. The Blues can also be experienced as a PC game without HMD.