Reach is a collaboration between Occupational Therapists and Interaction Designers with interest in the needs of children dealing with severe physical impairments. Our three member team set out to design an interactive learning environment that would encourage and reward creative kinesthetic play.

Team:
Michael Jefferson
Lamar Hines
Holly Eldi

Context:
Often during occupational therapy sessions, a child becomes easily frustrated by their physical impairments and limitations. This can decrease their enthusiasm, ability to stay on task, and tolerance for therapy. It has been demonstrated throughout the history of occupational therapy that children increase their participation in therapy when the task is meaningful and purposeful. The Reach Project is an exploration of how video tracking and the projected image of the body can be utilized to enhance participation in an occupational therapy setting. A simple web camera tracks the movement of the body, while a projector turns the facing wall, floor, or ceiling into an interactive mirror image layered with animation. Functional movement patterns are achieved within a fun and rewarding rehabilitative environment. The Reach projection environments are carefully designed to be open and dynamic, allowing both therapist and child the ability to set the goals and create their own games.