Concept Pitch

Creative Portfolio

A non-clinical reminiscence tool using VR and performance capture to enhance wellbeing, emotional regulation, and social connection for people living with dementia

Why This Matters

People living with dementia often experience difficulties with temporal orientation (when am I), spatial orientation (where am I), and identity continuity (who am I in relation to this place).

However, sensory memory, special familiarity, and embodied recognition often remain intact long after verbal recall declines

The Concept

This Project explores the use of first-person VR experiences combined with performance capture to support non-verbal engagement with autobiographical memory. By recreating familiar environments and preserving natural movement, participants can re-enter meaningful spaces in a way that feels intuitive, dignified, and emotionally safe.

Why VR

First-person re-experiencing
Reduced reliance on verbal processing
Recognition without explanation
Repeatable, controlled experiences
Simplified environments (no crowd, no danger)
Sessions can be paused, adapted, or exited

VR supports non-verbal engagement with autobiographical memory through spatail and sensory cues

Why Performance Capture

Preserves natural micro-movement
Avoids generic or 'game-like' actions
Reduces disorientation and anxiety
Maintains dignity and familiarity

Performance capture ensures the experience is inhabited, not performed

Ethics and Safeguarding

Clinical Position

Non-medical
Not a treatment or diagnostic tool

Consent

Family Consent
Opt-out at anytime

Participant Safety

Session limits to prevent distress
Professional oversight
Clear exit protocols

Scope

Early to mid-stage dementia only
No use in late-stage dementia

Working Approach

This project prioritises collaboration over novelty. Creative ambition is deliberately constrained by ethical responsibilities.

Working with:

Dementia charities
Care professionals
Medical Professionals
Carers and families
Acceptance of creatie limits for participant safety

Software's
Used

Unreal Engine

Real-time creation of immersive, controllable VR environments

MetaHuman technology

High-fidelity digital humans that preserve realistic presence and expression

Blender

Modelling and refining environments to ensure clarity, familiarity, and safety

Artec Leo 3D scanners

Accurate scanning of real-world spaces to recreate familiar locations

Technology is adapted to the person, not the reverse.

Who's Involved

Emerging diverse creatives
Established industry professionals
Dementia experts and doctors
Carers
Dementia charities
Research analysts