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MayaUnityVR/Avatars

Embodied VR Therapy

3D Design of avatars, therapeutic environments, and interfaces for Foretell Reality, a platform aiming to redefine group support and psychological therapy.

Role

3D Artist

Company

Foretell Reality / Glimpse Group

Timeline

6 months

The Challenge

Traditional therapy can be daunting, but VR group therapy presents a unique set of obstacles: how do you design a digital space and a representation of the self that fosters enough trust for deep, personal disclosure?

The Impact

Successfully shipped the experience on a VR therapy platform (XR Health) where users felt secure enough to engage in group sessions. By blending environmental psychology with intentional avatar design, we created a virtual sanctuary that made mental health support more accessible remotely.

The Architecture of Trust: Designing a Digital Sanctuary

In a therapy setting, the environment is also a part of the healing. I approached the design of the virtual rooms through the lens of environmental psychology, focusing on elements that promote an atmosphere of calm.

  • Palette & Materials: I moved away from sterile, "tech-heavy" aesthetics in favor of warm colors and earthy materials like wood.
  • Atmospheric Lighting: I engineered the lighting to feel soft and inviting, avoiding harsh shadows to ensure the space felt open yet intimate.
  • Spatial Layout: The layout was constructed to promote a sense of groundedness, providing enough space for group connection without making the user feel exposed or overwhelmed.
The Architecture of Trust: Designing a Digital Sanctuary visual 1

Avatars as a Shield: Balancing Anonymity and Expression

One of the most critical aspects of group therapy is the user's sense of safety in disclosing to others. I led a research phase into avatar representations, studying the spectrum from hyper-realistic to highly stylized forms and what emotions they evoked.

  • The Findings: My research showed that while realism can be impressive, stylized avatars often provide a higher degree of psychological "ease" and anonymity.
  • Anonymity: I developed a customization system that allowed users to tailor their appearance. This granted them a level of digital "masking" that acted as a shield, making them feel safer and more comfortable during vulnerable group interactions.

Bridging the Experience: Technical Implementation & Collaboration

My work extended beyond the aesthetic into the functional to ensure the user's journey was seamless from the moment they put on the headset.

  • UI/UX System Design: I built the UI systems for both the Avatar Selection and the Room Selection modules. The goal was to make the process of entering a therapy session feel as frictionless and calming as the session itself.
  • Cross-Functional Delivery: I collaborated closely with a team of product designers and engineers to ensure the 3D assets, shaders, and UI elements were optimized for performance without sacrificing the "warmth" of the visual style.
Bridging the Experience: Technical Implementation & Collaboration visual 1

Learnings: The Value of "Digital Distance"

  • Embodiment is self-expression: This project reinforced my belief that in XR, less can often be more. By intentionally designing for anonymity through stylized avatars, we unlocked a new way for people to connect.
  • A humanistic approach to Telehealth: I learned that the "distance" provided by a digital representation doesn't hinder empathy - it often enables it by removing the fear of judgment. In the future of VR therapy, the most powerful tool we can offer a user is a space where they feel truly seen, even when they choose to remain hidden.