Sonus Sense: Enhancing Spatial Awareness with a Rehabilitative Serious Game

Abstract

"Spatial Awareness plays a critical role in navigating environments, It poses a significant challenge for individuals in low vision or low-lighting situations. This research addresses the limitations faced by such individuals navigating these environments without relying on visual cues and how they can overcome them. The research proposes a novel approach utilizing a gamified, rehabilitative serious game to enhance spatial awareness. With the spatial audio technologies found within modern game engines such as Unreal Engine, the prototype aims to train user’s attention to spatial awareness and distance discrimination skills. A thorough literature review identified and showcased that the attention to spatial awareness can be trained with the right tools and techniques. Preliminary testing of the prototype shows promising results. Users were more attuned to distance discrimination skills after engaging with the game. The immersive soundscapes created within the game environment facilitated a realistic training experience. Maintaining participant engagement was also key in bringing the initial prototype to life."