User Journey Stories - RutgersGRID/DanceAutism GitHub Wiki

BrainDance Game - User Journey Document

Based on BrainDance developed by Anne Green Gilbert © 2000
Icons by Alecia Rossano © 2000

1. Introduction

This document maps the experience of players interacting with the BrainDance Game, with special focus on neurodivergent users with varying mobility levels. The journey outlines key touchpoints, emotional responses, potential challenges, and support mechanisms throughout the gameplay experience.

2. User Personas

2.1 Alex (8 years old)

  • Autism Profile: Moderate autism with some verbal communication
  • Mobility Level: Full mobility with some coordination challenges
  • Sensory Profile: Sensitive to loud sounds, enjoys visual stimulation
  • Tech Experience: Familiar with tablets and simple games
  • Motivation: Enjoys music and rhythmic activities
  • Challenges: Can become overwhelmed with too many instructions, difficulty maintaining attention for extended periods

2.2 Jordan (12 years old)

  • Autism Profile: Autism with minimal verbal communication
  • Mobility Level: Uses a wheelchair, good upper body mobility
  • Sensory Profile: Tactile sensitivities, prefers predictable auditory experiences
  • Tech Experience: Regular computer user, enjoys video games
  • Motivation: Achievement-oriented, likes to see progress
  • Challenges: Becomes frustrated when unable to complete tasks, needs clear expectations

2.3 Taylor (16 years old)

  • Autism Profile: High-functioning autism with advanced verbal skills
  • Mobility Level: Full mobility with some proprioceptive challenges
  • Sensory Profile: Visual processing sensitivities, enjoys musical experiences
  • Tech Experience: Very tech-savvy, experienced gamer
  • Motivation: Social connection, enjoys sharing achievements
  • Challenges: Perfectionism leading to frustration, social anxiety

3. Journey Mapping

3.1 Discovery Phase

Initial Exposure

Alex's Experience:

  • Introduced to the game by a therapist or parent
  • Attracted by colorful, simple visuals and gentle music
  • May initially be hesitant to try movement-based activities

Support Features:

  • Option to observe gameplay before participating
  • Gradual introduction to movement tracking
  • Simple, clear visual explanations with minimal text

Emotional Touchpoints:

  • Curiosity
  • Possible uncertainty or hesitation
  • Interest in musical elements

First-Time Setup

Jordan's Experience:

  • Needs assistance with initial camera setup
  • Appreciates the calibration process that acknowledges wheelchair use
  • Values clear, step-by-step instructions

Support Features:

  • Adaptive setup recognizing seated play
  • Visual guides showing proper camera positioning
  • Option to save accessibility preferences for future sessions

Emotional Touchpoints:

  • Relief at seeing wheelchair-friendly options
  • Satisfaction with personalized setup
  • Possible concern about movement tracking accuracy

3.2 Learning Phase

Tutorial Experience

Taylor's Experience:

  • Quickly grasps the concept but wants detailed information
  • Appreciates seeing the connection to BrainDance methodology
  • May skip through basic instructions to get to gameplay

Support Features:

  • Option to view detailed information about movement benefits
  • Skippable tutorial sections for returning users
  • Clear demonstration of Laban notation symbols

Emotional Touchpoints:

  • Engagement with educational content
  • Impatience with basic instructions
  • Appreciation for system depth

First Gameplay Attempt

Alex's Experience:

  • Focuses intently on the visual movement guides
  • May become distracted by background elements
  • Responds positively to immediate feedback

Support Features:

  • Option to simplify background visuals
  • Clear, encouraging feedback for any movement attempt
  • Visual timer showing session length

Emotional Touchpoints:

  • Pride in successful movements
  • Possible frustration with coordination challenges
  • Joy in musical interaction

3.3 Engagement Phase

Cross Lateral Pattern Activity

Jordan's Experience:

  • Adapts cross-lateral movements for seated position
  • Appreciates upper-body focused activities
  • Values clear tracking of arm movements

Support Features:

  • Wheelchair-specific movement adaptations
  • Focus on achievable upper-body cross-lateral patterns
  • Option to adjust tracking sensitivity

Emotional Touchpoints:

  • Satisfaction with adapted movements
  • Pride in accomplishing challenging patterns
  • Enjoyment of rhythm synchronization

Progress Tracking

Taylor's Experience:

  • Highly motivated by visible progress indicators
  • May compare performance against previous sessions
  • Appreciates detailed feedback on movement quality

Support Features:

  • Personalized progress tracking
  • Comparison only to personal bests, not other players
  • Detailed but positive movement analysis

Emotional Touchpoints:

  • Satisfaction with improvement
  • Possible frustration with plateaus
  • Pride in mastering complex movements

3.4 Mastery Phase

Achievement Recognition

Alex's Experience:

  • Responds enthusiastically to visual celebrations
  • May want to immediately replay favorite activities
  • Enjoys collecting achievement markers

Support Features:

  • Non-overwhelming celebration animations
  • Easy navigation to replay activities
  • Visual collection of achievements

Emotional Touchpoints:

  • Joy in recognition
  • Pride in accomplishment
  • Excitement about collection completion

Continued Engagement

Jordan's Experience:

  • Looks forward to progressive challenges
  • Appreciates consistency in session structure
  • Values the ability to track long-term progress

Support Features:

  • Predictable session format with gradual new elements
  • Clear indication of upcoming content
  • Persistent progression system

Emotional Touchpoints:

  • Comfort with routine elements
  • Anticipation of new challenges
  • Sense of ongoing accomplishment

4. Potential Pain Points and Mitigation

4.1 Technical Challenges

  • Camera Setup Issues
    • Mitigation: Clear visual guides, troubleshooting tips, alternative tracking options
  • Movement Recognition Accuracy
    • Mitigation: Calibration system, adjustable sensitivity, focus on intent rather than perfection
  • System Performance
    • Mitigation: Optimized code, scalable visual effects, offline functionality options

4.2 User Experience Challenges

  • Sensory Overload
    • Mitigation: Customizable visual/audio intensity, clear session pacing, break prompts
  • Attention Management
    • Mitigation: Adjustable session length, visual timers, natural break points
  • Frustration with Difficult Movements
    • Mitigation: Adaptable difficulty, alternative movement options, focus on effort over perfection

4.3 Accessibility Challenges

  • Varying Mobility Levels
    • Mitigation: Movement adaptations for different positions, customizable tracking regions
  • Communication Preferences
    • Mitigation: Visual, audio, and text instruction options, simplified language options
  • Cognitive Processing Differences
    • Mitigation: Adjustable pacing, clear and consistent UI, predictable session structure

5. Support Features Throughout Journey

5.1 Customization Options

  • Sensory sensitivity adjustments (visual effects, audio levels, background complexity)
  • Communication preference settings (text, audio, visual instruction balance)
  • Movement difficulty adaptation (range of motion requirements, timing flexibility)
  • Interface customization (color schemes, button sizes, information density)

5.2 Assistance Features

  • Visual schedules showing session structure
  • Clear progress indicators and next steps
  • Optional break reminders
  • Consistent navigation patterns
  • Helper mode for caregiver/therapist guidance

5.3 Motivation Mechanisms

  • Positive reinforcement for all attempts
  • Personalized goal setting
  • Achievement collection
  • Session consistency tracking
  • Creative expression opportunities

6. Journey Outcomes

6.1 Therapeutic Goals

  • Development of cross-lateral movement patterns
  • Improved body awareness and coordination
  • Enhanced rhythm synchronization
  • Increased movement confidence
  • Sustained engagement with physical activity

6.2 Educational Outcomes

  • Understanding of BrainDance principles
  • Recognition of movement patterns and benefits
  • Development of movement vocabulary
  • Connection between movement and music

6.3 Personal Development

  • Sense of accomplishment and competence
  • Movement confidence and self-expression
  • Consistent engagement with beneficial activity
  • Potential for social sharing and connection

7. Future Journey Expansions

7.1 Additional BrainDance Patterns

  • Progressive introduction of remaining patterns
  • Building on established user comfort and familiarity
  • Expanding movement vocabulary while maintaining consistency

7.2 Community Elements

  • Optional sharing of achievements
  • Therapist/educator supervision capabilities
  • Group activity potential

7.3 Extended Customization

  • User-created movement sequences
  • Expanded music options
  • Further adaptation for diverse needs