Abstract
This research explores how immersive virtual reality (VR) storytelling can foster empathy toward people living with dementia. Developed through a Research through Design (RtD) approach, the project simulates symptoms such as disorientation, memory loss, and language disruption using symbolic interaction and narrative fragmentation. A hybrid narrative structure combines fictional sequences with real-life audio testimony. User evaluations revealed that while immersive metaphors effectively conveyed confusion and emotional vulnerability, the inclusion of authentic voices significantly deepened empathic engagement. These findings suggest that VR, when grounded in lived experience, holds strong potential for affective communication in health-related design. The study contributes to research on hybrid narrative design, emotional interaction, and the ethical use of immersive media.
Keywords
Virtual reality (VR); Dementia; Empathy; Immersive narrative
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.606
Citation
Wu, F., Ye, S., Liu, X.,and Zou, Z.(2025) When the Familiar Fades: Designing Immersive VR Narratives for Affective Empathy, in Chang, C.-Y., and Hsu, Y. (eds.), IASDR 2025: Design Next, 02-05 December, Taiwan. https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.606
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Conference Track
Track 3 - Design, Art & Technology
When the Familiar Fades: Designing Immersive VR Narratives for Affective Empathy
This research explores how immersive virtual reality (VR) storytelling can foster empathy toward people living with dementia. Developed through a Research through Design (RtD) approach, the project simulates symptoms such as disorientation, memory loss, and language disruption using symbolic interaction and narrative fragmentation. A hybrid narrative structure combines fictional sequences with real-life audio testimony. User evaluations revealed that while immersive metaphors effectively conveyed confusion and emotional vulnerability, the inclusion of authentic voices significantly deepened empathic engagement. These findings suggest that VR, when grounded in lived experience, holds strong potential for affective communication in health-related design. The study contributes to research on hybrid narrative design, emotional interaction, and the ethical use of immersive media.