Virtual Reality

Life with Parkinson's Disease

A Virtual Reality Simulation

Developed by Henry Lewis and the HAND Innovation Team

About This Project

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.

Experience the Progression

  • Day One: Experience daily life before Parkinson's
  • Day Two: Early onset symptoms affecting tasks
  • Day Three: Advanced stage challenges

Key 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
In Partnership With: Parkinson's Community Los Angeles (PCLA)
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Mobile Platform

MotionSense

A Mobile Research Platform for Parkinson's Disease

In Development with Henry Lewis and the HAND Innovation Team
In collaboration with Dr. Zeiger

About This Project

A student-led development initiative to translate the Random Dot Motion (RDM) paradigm into a mobile application for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Our goal is to create an accessible, at-home mobile platform for validated perceptual tasks.

The Task Experience

  • Participants view a field of moving dots on their phone screen
  • A subset of dots move coherently in one direction (left or right)
  • The participant must determine the overall direction of motion

Platform Features

  • Remote Assessment: Complete tasks from home using mobile device
  • Adjustable Parameters: Modify coherence levels, trial duration, frequency
  • Secure Data: Encrypted backend for storing performance metrics
  • Research Dashboard: Review participant performance trends
In Partnership With: UCLA Parkinson's specialists and the broader Parkinson's research community
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How UCLA Students Are Involved

Coding & Development

Build motion stimuli engines and trial logic in Unity or mobile frameworks

Data Infrastructure

Design secure backend pipelines and researcher dashboards

UX & Interface Design

Create intuitive, accessible layouts optimized for older adults

Research Integration

Collaborate with clinicians to ensure clinical relevance and task validity

3D Design

Model realistic 3D environments and objects for immersive experiences

Outreach

Coordinate recruitment strategy and communicate findings to the PD community

   Social Media