IMPACT VR

Impact VR is a project that brings together the NCAA and Impact, a concussion management platform. Impact VR looks to the future to see how we can more accurately detect and track concussions. 

BACKGROUND 

We were tasked to come up with an idea that could help change lives. The project had to utilize an existing platform to help support the idea. Over the past few years, concussions have been a very extensive conversation across all sports. A concussion, especially repeat concussions, can be detrimental to a person's health and future. Many concussions go untreated or athletes return to play sooner than they should. I wanted to investigate how a different approach could possibly change our return to play protocol.

VIRTUAL REALITY

I started digging into how baseline tests are given, I researched online resources and spoke with some of my friends that play D1 sports. I found out that athletes are administered baseline tests at the beginning of the season and if they are injured with a possible concussion they have to retake the test and see how it compares to their baseline. The issue that came up with interviews though, was that the athletes aren't fully immersed in the test and become distracted quite easily. Usually, they're given the test in training room, which can have a lot going on. I decided that VR could be a worthwhile platform to try having concussed athletes take concussion management tests. The only drawback that could come up is that VR can be nauseating.

STYLEFRAMES

Concussions happen fast. I started this piece out quick to help reinforce that concept. Following the opening impacts, the projects takes viewers through how Impact VR could help assist an athlete in their return to play process.

CHARACTER DESIGN

For the characters I wanted to come up with system that was inclusive and fun to animate. I came up with characters that were inspired by foosball player pieces.

FOOTBALL PLAYER RIG

© CHAD COOPER 2022