Hypoxia - DC Capstone

Hypoxia is an immersive, breath-sensing video game designed to teach and promote mindful breathing exercises.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased rates of anxiety and depression worldwide. With lockdowns, social distancing measures, and the uncertainties of the pandemic, many individuals have been searching for ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. In response to this need, Hypoxia was developed as an innovative, immersive video game experience designed to teach and promote mindful breathing practices.

Objective:

The primary objective of the Hypoxia project was to create an engaging and immersive video game that utilized breath-sensing technology to help users practice mindful breathing techniques, such as box breathing, pursed lip breathing, and diaphragmatic breathing. The game aimed to provide an escapist experience for users, allowing them to find a sense of calm and relaxation during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Client

Capstone

Type

Product design

Year

2021

Process

A talented team of five members with diverse skill sets collaborated remotely over four months to bring the Hypoxia project to life. The development process involved designing captivating low-poly style 3D environments, creating an original storyline, implementing breath-sensing technology, and crafting an engaging user experience. The team also had to overcome the challenges of working remotely, relying on virtual communication platforms like Zoom for collaboration and project coordination.

Three key assessment criteria for the project were:

Scene/Environment Design (3D modeling)
Gameplay/Efficacy of breathing technique tutorials
Sound Design

Outcome

The Hypoxia project is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing real-world challenges. By creating an engaging and immersive video game experience that promotes mindful breathing, the team behind Hypoxia has made a valuable contribution to the field of mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization has noted the importance of proper breathing for stress relief, and Hypoxia aims to provide an enjoyable and effective way for individuals to learn and practice these techniques.

The following roadmap outlines the development process for the Hypoxia project, broken down into four milestones achieved over 12 weeks.

Milestone 1: Ideation and Rough Drafts (Week 5)

All group members will become familiar with Unity.
Complete story and gameplay draft.
Conduct breathing research and select 3 breathing exercises.
Complete draft for Scenes 1-2.
Determine the total number of scenes needed for the project.
Determine the number of characters required for the project.

Milestone 2: Alpha Project Demo (Week 7)

Finalize detailed story.
Finalize gameplay mechanics.
Create alpha versions of music and sound effects.
Make Scenes 1-2 interactive and playable.
Develop an alpha version of the first-person character.
Complete sketches of additional characters.

Milestone 3: Beta Project Demo (Week 10)

Complete drafts for Scene 3 and any additional scenes.
Integrate 3 breathing technique tutorials into the game.
Complete all character models and designs.
Finalize music and sound effects.
Complete character animations.

Milestone 4: Finishing Touches (Week 12)

Conduct thorough playtesting and gather feedback from users.
Optimize performance and address any bugs or issues.
Refine user interface and user experience.
Finalize all assets, including 3D models, animations, music, and sound effects.
Prepare project for release, including creating promotional materials and documentation.

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