About
The Innovation Team is a student-led group within HAND dedicated to creating impactful solutions for individuals with Parkinson's Disease. Our team works on two major projects:
VR Simulation: We're developing an immersive Virtual Reality experience that allows users to understand the daily challenges faced by those living with Parkinson's Disease. Through a three-day progression simulation featuring haptic feedback, task systems, and realistic environments built in Unity, we aim to build empathy and educate caregivers, family members, and the broader community about life with PD.
iStopShaking Device: We're advancing a patented assistive technology that uses gyroscopic stabilization and sensors to minimize physical tremors caused by neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. Our members work in collaborative teams—some developing the gyroscopic motors and physical glove design, while others code the software for accelerometer-based monitoring.
Through these projects, we combine design, engineering, storytelling, and outreach to make a lasting impact in assistive technology and awareness for individuals suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.
Life with Parkinson's Disease
A Virtual Reality Simulation
Developed by Henry Lewis and the HAND Innovation Team
About This Project
The Innovation Team is a student-led group within HAND dedicated to developing a Virtual Reality simulation centered on Parkinson's Disease (PD). The goal of this project is to illustrate the challenges PD places on individuals and how the condition can impact their daily lives, hobbies, and passions.
The team is organized into four collaborative divisions: Design & Development, Creative & Narrative, 3D & Media Production, and Marketing & Outreach. Together, these groups empower HAND members to raise meaningful awareness about PD and support education for caregivers and the broader community.
Experience the Progression
Day One
No Parkinson's Symptoms
Experience daily life before Parkinson's
Day Two
Mild Parkinson's Symptoms
Early onset symptoms affecting tasks
Day Three
Strong Parkinson's Symptoms
Advanced stage challenges
Simulation Features
Task System
Complete daily activities and experience how PD affects routine tasks
Haptic Feedback
Controller vibrations and visual effects simulate tremors
Medication System
Learn about managing Parkinson's through medication
How UCLA Students Are Involved
Narration & Creative
Craft compelling narratives that tell authentic stories of individuals living with Parkinson's Disease
Animation
Design and animate PD-specific visual effects that bring the simulation to life
Coding & Development
Program interactive VR mechanics using C# in Unity to simulate Parkinson's symptoms
3D Design
Model realistic 3D environments and objects for an immersive VR experience
Presentations
Develop educational materials and in-simulation content about Parkinson's Disease
Outreach
Build connections with the PD community and raise awareness about the project
In Partnership With
Parkinson's Community Los Angeles (PCLA)
Collaborating to create an empathy-building tool for caregivers, family members, and the broader LA community
Patent #10,694,989
Started in 2015 by Tiffany, iStopShaking is an IoT device using miniaturized gyroscopes, with gloves for the hands and braces for the feet and neck, to reduce tremors of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Powered by a battery with multiple intel-wireless chips, each device contains an accelerometer to maintain control of the gyroscopes and a dial to measure the intensity of the spin, allowing counterbalance of the tremors. The iStopShaking patent was filed in June of 2018, and granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in June of 2020.
Watch the video below to learn more about iStopShaking!
See what we accomplished during the 2022-2023 year!
Prototype Pictures
Partners & Sponsors
