Overview
Facilitating Bioscience Research Recruitment with Immersive WebVR Technology
The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) conducts bioscience studies to collect data on body shape and strength, which informs product design and transportation solutions. However, the public often struggles to understand the purpose and process of these studies.
To address this, our team designed an interactive WebVR experience that clearly communicates the study’s goals and procedures, making participation more engaging and accessible.
Timeframe
My Role
Team
Project Link
Key Results
• Participants better understood the research process and lab environment
• Users found the WebVR experience more interactive and approachable
• Enabled scalable, accessible participant outreach both online and in person
Problem & Goal
How Can We Encourage Parents to Enroll Their Children in Bioscience Studies?
The client approached us with a key question: How can we encourage parents to enroll their children in bioscience studies? Despite strong recruitment exposure across platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and health research recruitment websites, the actual sign-up rate remained lower than expected. They wanted to understand what was holding parents back and how to better motivate participation.
Research Process
Stakeholder interview: Understanding Limitations of the Current Approach
Through 8 interviews with stakeholders and potential participants, we discovered a key issue in the current outreach strategy. Parents showed interest in the study only when a researcher was available to walk them through the details in person, which makes the approach ineffective and difficult to scale.
Research coordinator did a fantastic job of engaging participants once they sign up, leading to participants seeking to join additional studies. This shows us that the general public are potentially interested in these studies if they can experience it themselves.
UMTRI Field Trip: What Are the Barriers to User Comprehension?
With these questions in mind, we conducted a field trip to UMTRI’s lab space to get ourselves familiar with how these studies are conducted and identify opportunities to get the general public interested in their studies.
Strength test
General instructions from lead research technician
Jump test
Grip strength test
We were led by two seasoned research coordinators who have decades of experience in recruitment and user engagement. We were introduced to the reach process, each device, tasks, and safety etc. for two big ongoing studies at the center right now – the child strength study and child body shape and size study.
The Biggest Takeaway From the Field Trip Is:
Refined Problem Statement
Brainstorm Solutions
Visualize the Research Study Environment Through…
AR / VR educational app
AR/VR technology can be a good way for visualization and education purposes. This is often used in education materials development.
As our target audience is parents, we rely on their ability to convey information to their children. Yet, we must balance gamification with research seriousness to adhere to IRB regulations. The key question is: will users download a standalone app for research studies?
WebVR Technology
WebVR enables researchers to access projects remotely, facilitating easy sharing of research objectives and essential elements. It allows educational content to be accessed across various devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones, eliminating the necessity for costly VR headsets and broadening accessibility to a larger audience.
Ideate
Idea Sketch
Use-Case Scenario
In-person recruitment (At a community event etc.)
UMTRI has set up a booth at an event to familiarize people with its work and encourage participation in their research studies.
At the time people are curious about what’s it like when participate in the study, we offer them to view our developed WebVR experience and learn more about UMTRI research facilities.
Users enter the WebVR environment to freely explore laboratory spaces and study settings, observing the impact after participating in the study.
2. Online recruitment (Social Media ads etc.)
UMTRI posted a specific study recruitment information on an online platform. People are wondering how the study was conducted and what research equipment was used.
At this time, we could attach the WebVR link for people to familiarize themselves with that research study and lab space.
As users enter the space, equipment not currently utilized in the study is greyed out. This allows users to gain a general understanding what tasks are involved in the specific study.
They can always navigate back to the standard research space and interact with other study facilities as needed.
Initial Sketch of WebVR Experience
Here is a initial idea sketch of the entire experience from a top view.
(The actual perspective could be imagined as if we are the figure depicted in purple in the sketch.)
Upon entry, users see a "Welcome to UMTRI" page with instructions.
The VR environment mirrors UMTRI's lab layout with slight differences.
Each room hosts a study with equipment in place and participants engaged.
Users can explore ongoing research and interact with equipment for details.
Unused equipment in a study is greyed out for clarity.
High-Fidelity Design
WebVR Design Solution
Our research showed that parents care most about safety, data use, and compensation. The field trip helped us understand the equipment and space setup. Based on these insights, we designed interactions that give users control, provide information when needed, and encourage engagement through a clear, immersive experience.
Upon entering the WebVR space, users are greeted with a welcome message that explains the purpose of the site, accompanied by audio support.
After the initial welcome, users receive detailed instructions on navigating the space, especially helpful for those new to the experience.
02 Navigate Through the Research Facility and Enter a Study Room For Further Exploration
The space consists of numerous study rooms lining the hallway. Users can easily identify each room's purpose, and standing in front of a room allows them to enter and observe how each study is conducted.
[Design Rationale] We opted for this design to closely replicate UMTRI's actual layout, ensuring participants feel familiar and comfortable when they engage in studies.
03 Experience Full Immersion in the Authentic Study Room Setting
Users enter the study room space, finding equipment laid out exactly like the real setting, tailored to each study. Interactivity is enabled by standing in front of equipment marked with a shining circle.
[Design Rationale] Viewing the authentic room setting helps users comprehend how each study is conducted and which equipment is utilized which could reduce confusion and enhance understanding.
04 Observe Animated Figures Demonstrating How to Interact With the Testing Equipment
Upon entering the shining circle in front of the equipment, users encounter an animated figure demonstrating interaction methods for each equipment during the research study. Additional detailed information can be accessed by clicking on the side panel.
[Design Rationale] During user interviews, parents expressed concerns about equipment safety. A clear demonstration could alleviate their concerns, ensuring peace of mind when their children participate in the study.
Final Demo
WebVR Prototype
The high-fidelity prototype provided a strong foundation that enabled the developer to build the full experience in just one week. JavaScript was used along with A-Frame.
You can interact with the live prototype directly through the embedded link below. Give it a try!
Social Impact
01 Empower the general public to understand biosciences research and researchers to communicate biosciences research
02 Increase accessibility to research information for users with different literacy levels
03 Increase public engagement in scientific research endeavors
04 Provide a versatile solution that can be used in both online and in-person recruitment
05 Provide a scalable and cost-effective solution that can be used in large national study recruitment
Reflection
Key Takeaways
Navigating an ambiguous problem isn't always straightforward. It often involves tweaking and reframing the issue multiple times due to uncertainties and constraints. The complexity of the problem requires strategic approaches and continuous adjustments throughout the project.
From this experience, I've learned the importance of tackling ambiguity directly and methodically to keep projects on track. Experimenting with small ideas, questioning their feasibility, and iterating continuously are really important. There's no definitive right or wrong; the goal is to find the most suitable solution and ensure efficient user facilitation.
In the midst of confusion and decision-making in the UX process, it's normal to feel overwhelmed. However, as understanding progresses, the path gradually becomes clearer.
Our team presenting at the UMSI Project Expo 2024
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