Role: Lead UX Researcher

Partner: Akshita (Engineering & Implementation)

Tools: Unity, VR headset, Google Sheets

Timeline: Winter 2024

🔍 Problem

Neurodivergent individuals—particularly those with ADHD—often experience sensory overload and difficulty focusing in immersive environments. Most VR designs fail to accommodate variable sensory thresholds and cognitive load across neurotypes.

🎯 Objective

Design and test a VR environment that uses haptic feedback to improve focus and engagement for neurodivergent users, while evaluating whether neurotypical participants may experience cognitive overload under the same conditions.

👥 Participants

• 20 total participants (ages 11–55, mean age ~30)
• 6 diagnosed with ADHD
• Others: Neurotypical, other neurodivergent conditions, or undisclosed
• Recruited through SOLAS Art Studios and The New School

🧪 Research Methods

• Within-subjects A/B testing: haptic feedback on vs. off
• Block-stacking VR task in Unity