Virtual Reality App
Creating a VR (Virtual Reality) application for students with speech impairment to practice presenting in front of an audience
The Need
Clients have verbal-based disabilities, specifically where they stutter. The clients lack confidence with speaking in public and need a method that will allow them to practice in front of audiences. The solution needs to be as realistic as possible. Therefore, the environment needs to be as similar as possible to the clients’ classrooms or places of work. The audience needs to mimic the realistic tendencies of an audience which can include coughing, sneezing, movement, clapping, and the use of devices. The ability for the client to see their presentation slides or speech is preferable. Reminders of speaking strategies or tips are an additional desirable feature.
The Solution
The project created was a VR (Virtual Reality) application using the Unity game engine. The app will simulate the act of publicly speaking in front of a live audience by immersing the user in a virtual reality environment such as a stage or a classroom. The user will first start outside of the room and then walk into the presenting area where they will begin their speaking. Any notes or presentation that the user has prepared will be accessible in the VR environment which allows them to focus on speaking, and not have to memorize their content beforehand since the VR goggles will stop them from seeing their notes otherwise. While presenting, the audience will create realistic distractions to prepare the user for those of a real audience.
The Team
Katie Nguyen
Aidan Capaldi
Muhaiminul Ashraf
Steven Scangas