University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital
“
What I love about this space, especially as a child life specialist,
is that it is adaptable for people of all ages, abilities and disabilities."
Erin Draminski, Child Life Specialist at University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital
For a child, the recovery process in a hospital can be a long and uncertain experience filled with intimidating equipment, unfamiliar people, and multiple treatment sessions. The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital came to Dimensional Innovations with a challenge to create an immersive technology-based theater to assist children who’ve long been confined to a room to slowly work their way back into a public setting—complete with interactive games that help them transition to an active lifestyle.
Using Microsoft Kinect technology, DI’s animation and motion graphics team designed two interactive video experiences specifically for the theater. The games were developed to both visually stimulate young minds and provide unique healing benefits to patients. Researchers at the National Children’s Medical Center in Washington, D.C., found that video games provide an uplifting experience that aids in pain relief. While playing, users are more likely to utilize muscles they typically would leave sedentary due to pain, increasing their range of motion more quickly.
The “Eagles’ Flight” experience allows participants to begin a journey in Iowa while “Story in the Stars” brings together three original stories as constellations in the night sky. As users experience a narrative, they interact with on-screen hot-spots to reveal animated elements. Other installations created by DI include interactive donor walls, a history space with informational plaques and custom exhibits, and a mobile art projection display.
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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