# Dementia-Focused VR Tools The Virtual Reality Empathy Platform Helps Architects Design Inclusively By Joey Haar | Published 2017-02-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-empathy-platform References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2017/02/22/virtual-reality-empathy-platform-tool-help-architects-create-dementia-friendly-environments-david-burgher-aitken-turnbull-wireframe-immersive/) & [dementiacentre.au](http://www.dementiacentre.com.au/services/dementia-design) The built environment has a huge impact on how people with either physical or cognitive disabilities live on a day-to-day basis, and the new Virtual Reality Empathy Platform is a tool to make it easier for architects to design appropriately. The virtual reality kit, which includes a high-performance laptop, a virtual reality headset, a games controller, a camera, and specially designed software, helps architects and designers to better understand the challenges faced by [people with dementia](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/punto-health). One of the biggest barriers when designing for a person with dementia is in understanding their impairment. While it is relatively easy to conceptualize the challenges faced by someone with a physical disability like vision impairment or mobility problems, dementia is a matter of perception. The Virtual Reality Empathy Platform gives an [immersive, first-person experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/timmerse) of the symptoms of dementia in a virtual environment, helping architects to recognize the design strategies they should implement when building long-term care homes, hospitals, or sheltered housing. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 71% | Activity: 87% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Virtual Reality Empathy:** Using virtual reality to create empathy and understanding for people with dementia in the built environment. - **Inclusive Design:** The importance of designing buildings and spaces that are accessible and supportive for individuals with disabilities, including dementia. - **Perception-based Challenges:** Understanding and accommodating the unique challenges faced by individuals with dementia in the design of living spaces. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture and Design:** Integrating virtual reality technology into the architectural design process to create more inclusive and dementia-friendly environments. - **Healthcare:** Applying the Virtual Reality Empathy Platform to design better long-term care homes, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities for individuals with dementia. - **Technology and Software:** Developing specialized software and tools to support architects and designers in creating dementia-friendly spaces using virtual reality technology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [VR Home Design Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/envisioneer.md) - [Dementia-Catering Village Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/village-in-dax.md) - [Immersive Memory Loss Simulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lost-in-the-world.md) - [AI-Enhanced Virtual Reality Therapies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-therapy.md) - [AI Alzheimer's Avatars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alzheimers-intelligence.md) - [Healing VR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healing-vr-experiences.md) - [Senior-Targeted Metaverse Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myndvr.md) - [VR-Powered Therapy Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rey-1.md) - [Metaverse Therapy Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anomiexr.md)