ELYSIUM
In-Flight VR Wellness App
Enhancing Well-being through VR
Virtual Reality
Narrative Design
UX
Air travel often presents passengers with a range of discomforts, including stress, anxiety, boredom, and physical discomfort. Traditional in-flight entertainment systems do little to alleviate these issues, especially for those with a fear of flying or general unease in confined spaces. The lack of personalized and immersive experiences can make long flights tedious and stressful, diminishing overall passenger satisfaction.
Challenge
The Elysium VR App enhances passenger well-being and engagement through immersive virtual reality experiences. It includes a Wellness Area with guided meditations and breathing exercises, an Exploration Area with interactive quests and a Play Area with creative activities providing relaxation, distraction, and entertainment.
Solution
Download on Sidequest
The Social Dynamics of Air Travel
Understanding User Needs
Air travel creates a unique social setting where close proximity to strangers for extended periods can heighten stress and anxiety, especially in cultures that value personal space. As a result, passengers focus on comfort, relaxation, and distraction to maintain their well-being during the flight.
Key User Needs
Sense of Control: Passengers often feel a loss of control while flying. Elysium VR provides a means to regain a sense of control by allowing users to choose their experiences, be it through meditation, exploration, or play.
Social Connection and Isolation: While some passengers may crave connection, others seek isolation. Elysium VR caters to both by offering a virtual companion for emotional support, as well as solitary activities that allow for introspection and personal time.
Cognitive and Emotional Engagement: Engaging the mind and distractions are crucial to counteract boredom and anxiety. The interactive elements in Elysium VR, such as collecting elements and exploration, provide cognitive stimulation and a positive emotional outlet.
Mindfulness play.
Elysium begins in the wondrous Mind Palace, a liminal space of awe and beauty, where you are greeted by a cute little fox (Foxoony) who acts as a guide through the inspiring realms of Elysium.
From voice-guided breathing techniques in wild meadows and on oasis islands to mesmerising spectacles of murmurations, you can choose from a number of serene virtual worlds to suit your mood or the mood you would like to achieve.
For a more active and adventurous role, you can take the Explore path - an exploratory narrative in which you are tasked with solving gentle riddles to restore the health of a mystical forest.
Regardless of the path taken, Elysium offers plenty to meet your varied needs and experience levels of virtual reality, and invites you into a rich, adventurous and calming world.
Elysium is still in development. You can download from Sidequest as early access and welcome your feedback to help improve the experience.
Get in touch if you would like to discuss research findings and collaborations.