Searching for and Testing the Apps

After we found some useful apps for Social Services, we had to test them.

 

 

One of the apps we found useful is VRAA.

VRAA is an application which is available in 5 languages. You can choose among 6 different settings, such as:

♦️ a job interview (you are sitting in front of the interviewer and can train your way of answering);
♦️ public transportation (you are in the train station and need to buy a ticket);
♦️ doctor's appointment (you have to call to book the appointment; then go to the doctor's office and talk to the secretary, while waiting for your turn, then, during the medical check you can practice your answers);
♦️ supermarket (you have the grocery list and need to find the products in the different aisles of groceries);
♦️ cafeteria (you have to sit at the table with other people and talk to them);
♦️ first day of a new job (you are welcomed by your new employer, who explains your duties and tasks).

The app could be used to help people with social anxiety and people with autism.

Another app we found useful is Alcove. It is a sort of virtual home, set up like a real house, where there are several rooms (such as living room, sitting room, hallway, balcony, etc.) with large windows looking outside (you can choose the external environment - like ocean, forest, mountain, etc.).


Inside each room you can find different objects or pictures that allow you to perform various activities. For instance, in the living room there is a television where you can listen and watch the story of the app, that was designed for the mother of its creator; or you can see many paintings hanging on the walls of the rooms, that can be viewed in more detail; the application also enables you to upload your own photos and videos.


With this app you can also practice meditation and do breathing exercises.


Considering the variety of activities and games you can perform, Alcove can be used not just by old people, but anyone whose life has been limited in any way, for example people with reduced mobility.

Thank you for reading!



You can also follow us on Instagram: @ivrss_project