DragonIce, an Initial Full-Body Mixed Reality Experience to Facilitate Interpersonal Synchrony in Children

Abstract

This study introduces DragonIce, an initial full-body interactive Mixed Reality experience designed, in collaboration with children, to facilitate Interpersonal Synchrony (IPS) among groups of four children. Through an iterative usability study, involving 48 children (8-10 years old), and a mix-method approach to triangulate findings, the research evaluates the system's effectiveness in (i) user-system interaction; (ii) guiding users' movements for IPS; and (iii) overall satisfaction. This iterative design process unveiled insights into synchronization mechanics, informing the development of more sophisticated and enriched interactive experiences. The findings suggest a promising trajectory for assessing the potential impact of IPS on prosocial behavior in the future. Moreover, the study anticipates future exploration of DragonIce's benefits in creating a supportive social environment, particularly for children facing difficulties in social interaction and motor skills, such as those on the Autism Spectrum.