University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital

Movement That Inspires: University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital

Challenge: Many children face long periods of confinement in hospital rooms and unfamiliar surroundings. The hospital needed a welcoming space to gradually reintroduce young patients to public settings, promote movement, and provide positive distractions. The solution required accessibility for all ages and abilities, emotional support, and flexibility for both group and individual use.

Solution: Dimensional Innovations designed and built a fully immersive interactive theater, using Microsoft Kinect technology to track movement and create playful, therapeutic experiences. The team developed two custom motion‑based games—“Eagles’ Flight” and “Story in the Stars.” Each game visually stimulates young minds and encourages physical activity, which supports pain relief and increased range of motion. The curved, 32‑foot‑wide theater welcomes multiple players, including wheelchair users, and adapts to children of all ages and abilities. Integrated audio, animated hotspots, and responsive environments keep children engaged, while additional Dimensional Innovations installations—including donor walls, a history exhibit, and mobile projection art—extend storytelling throughout the hospital.