Creating Calming VR Experiences for Children: A Case Study in Music Therapy with VRelax
concept design created by Leonardo.ai
Introduction
As mental health and emotional well-being become increasingly critical, innovative therapeutic methods are essential. Music therapy, a non-pharmacological approach, has shown great promise in promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and managing pain. In this project, we designed an interactive VR music therapy experience for children, integrated into the VRelax application. Our goal? To harness the soothing power of music in an immersive virtual environment, helping children find comfort during times of distress.
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Project Goals
Our main objective was to create a VR game using music therapy to:
Promote relaxation
Reduce anxiety
Distract from pain
This experience is specifically designed for children undergoing medical treatments or dealing with chronic conditions. Our focus was on fostering a sense of accomplishment and joy through music.
Key Objectives:
Therapeutic Impact: Significantly contribute to the emotional well-being of children through music.
Interactive Experience: Allow children to collaborate with a virtual band, encouraging a sense of achievement.
High-Quality Audio: Ensure top-tier audio with flexible control within Unity.
Reward System: Implement positive reinforcement to encourage ongoing interaction.
Conceptualization and Design
Our approach was based on the therapeutic benefits of music, known to lower cortisol levels and provide emotional release. We created a serene DreamWorld where children interact with virtual instruments, layering music stems to form a full, calming composition.
Target Audience
This game is tailored for children in clinical settings—those undergoing medical treatments, dealing with chronic pain, or experiencing anxiety. We wanted to offer them a momentary escape from stress through a soothing, interactive musical journey.
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Game Environment
The environment is a crucial element in therapy. We crafted a dreamlike setting with soft colors, gentle lighting, and calming visuals to evoke peace and comfort, helping children feel safe as they explore and create music.
preview design
Musical Design
The music is simple yet immersive, with adaptive music layers that gradually evolve as children interact. The music includes ambient strings, acoustic guitar, melodic arpeggios, subtle bass, and an ethereal choir—each selected to create a harmonious, relaxing soundscape.
Music Production and Stem Creation
Composing the Music
We composed in D major, a calming key, with a repeating chord progression to evoke peace. The tempo (60-80 BPM) aligns with a natural heart rate, encouraging subconscious relaxation.
Music Stems
The music was divided into distinct stems:
Strings: Warm, ambient foundation
Guitar: Rhythmic texture
Arpeggio: Light melodic movement
Bass: Grounding and depth
Choir: Ethereal and calming
Each stem was carefully balanced to support the therapeutic goal without overwhelming the player.
Integration into Unity
After finalizing the music, we integrated it into the Unity engine, setting up audio mixers and interactive triggers so that the music dynamically evolved in response to the player's actions. This was essential in maintaining engagement and enhancing the therapeutic effect.
Reward System
We designed a reward system where children could activate colored note bars corresponding to different musical notes. Successfully playing a sequence triggered a flute adlib as a reward, providing positive reinforcement and encouraging further exploration.
Testing and Refinement
During playtests with children from the target audience, feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The calming music and interactive elements were well-received. Based on the feedback, we made refinements, adjusting audio levels and tweaking game mechanics to better suit the children's interaction pace.
Results and Impact
This project successfully demonstrated the potential of VR and music therapy to enhance the emotional well-being of children in clinical settings. The immersive environment, paired with soothing music, provided a much-needed escape for children, helping to reduce anxiety and manage pain.
Conclusion and Future Directions
This project lays the groundwork for further exploration into VR and music therapy in pediatric care. Future versions could incorporate additional musical elements, more complex interactions, and expanded therapeutic applications.
We’re excited about the possibilities and look forward to sharing more developments as we continue working in this field.
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