Groove Jones worked with Embodied Labs to create an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience titled “Dementia Search and Rescue.” This project addresses the urgent and complex challenges faced by caregivers and emergency responders when dealing with individuals suffering from dementia. The goal is to craft an experience that is not only engaging and educational but also deeply empathetic, highlighting the emotional weight of these situations.
This project sought to push the boundaries of VR technology, creating a simulation that would resonate with users on a deeper level, allowing them to step into the shoes of those who navigate the intricate realities of dementia care.
Crafting the Experience
The project centered around a series of 360° VR video vignettes, each crafted to immerse users in a search and rescue mission for a person with dementia. Groove Jones took on the post-production role, working with raw footage provided by Embodied Labs. We also helped develop the interactive layer of the experience, allowing users to interact with elements within the experience, pick up clues, make decisions and help find the patient.
The experience begins with an introduction, setting the scene at the bottom of a path leading to the home of Celia, the individual at the heart of the search. From here, users are drawn into a series of scenarios, each presenting unique challenges and outcomes depending on the choices they make. Whether it’s conducting an interview on the front porch of Celia’s house or deciding on the next search location using an interactive map, every decision impacts the narrative’s direction and emotional weight.
The interactive map, a key feature of the experience, was designed to allow users to choose their search path—north or south—each with its own set of vignettes and outcomes. This branching narrative structure not only adds depth to the experience but also reflects the real-life unpredictability and urgency of search and rescue missions. As users navigate through the search locations—ranging from outbuildings to country roads and ponds—they are confronted with the reality of time-sensitive decisions, emphasizing the critical nature of their actions.
Users were guided through the search using an interactive map set within a CGI environment. Additional tools included a virtual walkie-talkie and a wander kit, which included a map, a shoe tread imprint, and a photograph of Celia.
Users were then introduced to the tools at their disposal—a search map, personal notes, and a timer to track their progress. By interacting with the map, they could search specific locations, with the map visually updating to reflect their progress. Along the way, users can pick up clues and items that are stored in a virtual kit. These items served as clues to help guide the user.
Bringing the Vision to Life
The post-production phase went beyond technical tasks like stitching and color correction. Groove Jones created an immersive audio landscape by providing comprehensive audio services, including dialogue clean-up, sound design, and mixing. This ensured that every element of the experience resonated with emotional depth and realism.
The experience begins by preparing users with an overview of what to expect. As they embody a character, their sight and hearing may be intentionally impaired, reflecting the condition of the person they are searching for. This is designed to evoke strong emotional reactions, immersing users in the scenario.
The experience offered two possible outcomes, both of which provided the opportunity to see through the eyes of Celia, a person living with dementia. The outcome depended on whether time ran out, offering users a powerful, empathetic insight into the experience of dementia.
The Outcome
The “Dementia Search and Rescue” experience is more than just a training tool; it’s a deeply human story told through the lens of cutting-edge technology. By stepping into this VR environment, users are not just observers—they become participants in a narrative that demands empathy, quick thinking, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those caring for individuals with dementia. The project stands as a testament to the power of virtual reality to not only educate but also to evoke strong emotional responses and foster a deeper understanding of critical issues. By immersing users in this carefully crafted world, Groove Jones and Embodied Labs have created an experience that leaves a lasting impact, raising awareness and driving home the importance of compassion and preparedness in dementia care.
The success of “Dementia Search and Rescue” highlights the potential of VR as a tool for education and empathy, showcasing what is possible when technology and storytelling come together in service of a greater cause.
About Embodied Labs
Embodied Labs is an immersive training platform for companies committed to providing excellent care and service. They believe that VR experiences can enable those providing care to embody the perspectives and conditions of other people, gaining an understanding they can’t get from traditional training tools. These insights empower our users to provide more effective care. Learn more about Embodied Labs here – https://www.embodiedlabs.com/
