Improving Living Conditions for an Individual with Hoarding Habits through Personalized Virtual Reality Interventions

This study aims to address the under-noticed issue of hoarding behaviour by developing a personalized virtual reality (VR) environment. Unlike existing VR interventions focusing solely on decluttering, this project emphasizes tailored design for a female participant with hoarding tendencies, incorporating shopping and home areas. The aim is to immerse her in this VR space to understand her behaviours better and transform her perceptions of objects and storage practices, ultimately improving her quality of life. Using a single-case study approach, the research involved a physical assessment of the participant's attachment to objects through a cloth covering technique. This was followed by an iterative design process for the VR environment, integrating personalized lighting and interactive features based on her feedback. The intervention sought to change her spatial perception and attachment to objects. After engaging with the VR experience, the participant demonstrated a greater willingness to declutter her home. This study highlights the potential of VR to effectively address hoarding behaviours and suggests innovative pathways for integrating technology into healthcare solutions.