Carilion Children's Social Butterflies
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The interactive butterfly wall is a wonderful distraction. It's unique, calming and relaxing and helps
set apart a visit to a Carilion Children's physician from other medical visits.
Donald Kees, MD, Carilion Children's
Positive distractions play a powerful role in pediatric healthcare, giving the smallest of patients an opportunity to play, dream and interact during a time often riddled with uncertainty and discomfort. At Carilion Children's Tanglewood Center, positive distractions are pivotal to the patient experience.
When looking to implement a digital art wall for the clinic waiting room, Carilion Children's wanted an interactive element that embodied their mission of hope, strength and healthcare equality. In collaboration with the Carilion team, Dimensional Innovations explored several imagery options and themes, one of which fluttered above all others.
Symbolizing restoration and tranquility, the butterfly holds a special place in the heart of Carilion Children's, even serving as an element of their brand logo. Our team was pleased to work alongside Stage Sound to bring a digital butterfly sanctuary to life.
Social Butterflies is an interactive experience located in the clinic’s first-floor lobby that allows children to create their own butterflies using the touchscreen kiosk or a mobile phone. Users can choose from a simple, intermediate or complex design based on the detail of the black and white sketch.
The digital art display is made up of six portrait display screens and is designed to be interactive, soothing and accessible to all kids visiting the center, regardless of age, ability, or socioeconomic status. Entertaining and easy to use, Social Butterflies is engaging but not so gamified that kids can’t step away.
18+
Pediatric specialties covered within Carilion Children's practices
98
Years Carilion Children's has spent serving the Roanoke community and beyond
After selecting their butterfly, they can fill the wings with color by choosing from a 20-shade palette. Children then name their colorful butterfly and send it off into the wild – virtually of course.
Patients and families can watch their new uniquely-designed creation float across the Ronoake-inspired nature sceneries as they interact with butterflies created by fellow visitors. The interaction does not end after the butterfly is released. If a child stands still in front of the screen, butterflies will swarm to the tracked presence, creating a shape and then dispersing using three Intel RealSense cameras.
Driven by a sense of community, the interactive Social Butterflies experience is a fun, calming and positive distraction that helps give kids visiting Carilion’s Children a small sense of control – even if it’s just for a little while.
Testimonials
[DI] was great at working with a very diverse group to develop a great end product. Our world is full of fast-paced, adrenaline rising experiences, and we hope this will be just the opposite.
Donald Kees, MD, Carilion Children's
DI has been a wonderful partner. They really listened to us during our development meetings. While they gave us ideas of what they could do, they really worked with us to develop something that fit our needs. The creative process was not a “one-and-done” session. They allowed us to evolve the butterfly interactive wall over time.
Learn more about positive distractions and immersive technology
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Brandon Kuzara
Corporate and Healthcare Account Director
Brandon has over seven years of Client Success, Account Management, and Business Development experience working within various industries alongside countless clients. With a unique background that spans multiple roles, Brandon tries to... more about Brandon Kuzara
JC Hendricks
VP + ECD Interactive Technology
As Vice President / Creative Director – Interactive & Technology, JC specializes in syncing ever-changing technology with great design to create engaging interactive experiences. He leads the Technology Studio, directing a... more about JC Hendricks