Pusterum VR: A Meditative Experience for Adults with ADHD

Pusterum VR is a virtual reality application designed to help adults with ADHD escape daily stress, clear their minds, and regain energy. By leveraging the isolating effects of VR, it helps users focus in a calming, distraction-free environment. The project was developed in collaboration with AATE VR, Center for Specialundervisning for Voksne, and Arne Kaas, and built for the Android and Google Daydream platforms.

Exploration and Ideation

Our exploration phase involved conceptualizing the experience on a large 2D screen to simulate immersion while designing for VR. The challenge was to retain the same level of engagement and immersion that VR inherently provides, while mapping out the user journey in a more accessible medium during the initial phases.

Conceptualizing the Experience

The experience of Pusterum VR is broken down into different phases. The design process focused on creating a seamless, relaxing environment that resonates with the needs of adults with ADHD. The immersive aspects—visuals, sound, and pacing—were carefully crafted to ensure users could deeply relax and disconnect from external stressors.

User Testing

We tested the prototype with users diagnosed with ADHD, focusing on their bodily sensations before and after using Pusterum VR. Feedback highlighted significant improvement in users' ability to relax, validating the calming effects of the virtual environment.