February 2024

A travelling virtual and mixed reality experience that would arrive at Downsview Supply Depot, Toronto. The Unseen Experience aims to give voice to those that often go unheard in the healthcare system, those with invisible chronic illnesses, such as long COVID. This experience would acknowledge that chronic illness isn’t a topic most people would choose to engage with or feel comfortable, therefore consent would be aquired from participants. Yet the target audience would be those without chronic illness to inspire empathy and understanding.

The experience considers mixed use of modern technologies using VR and MR, immersive lighting, smart watches. Also includes set design elements and props. There would be Apple Vision Pros uploaded with the narratives of real Canadians who have experienced Long COVID symptoms. The characters in the game have their own unique symptom set. Depending on which hospital bed you select you take on a different character’s health journey through their emotional storytelling. Those who participate will embark on a gameified educational experience that will broaden one’s understanding on invisible illness and inclusivity. It is a chance to really embody the life of someone whose life has been impacted by chronic illness and expand your awareness.