This VR application replicates a classroom environment centered around a desk featuring a 3D model of the brain and its arterial system. It is designed to support neuroanatomy learning, specifically focusing on the cerebral arterial system, by providing interactive and immersive experiences (see https://youtu.be/UsXl2mRPmq4).
- 3D Model Interaction: Participants can touch, cut, grab, and resize the model to explore the cerebral vascular system.
- Real-Time Explanations: Verbal explanations and animations are triggered by interactions.
- Virtual Tablet Interface: Displays a written summary and allows participants to revisit artery-related information.
- French Language Support: Both oral instructions and written content are in French.
Three conditions were designed to explore different levels of user interaction:
- Passive Condition: Participants visualize pre-programmed animations of the brain's arterial system without direct interaction.
- Guided Condition: Participants interact with the 3D model under a guided sequence determined by the application. A blue virtual hand indicates the specific action and artery to interact with.
- Active Condition: Participants freely explore the 3D model, touching and cutting any artery to access detailed information about its name, origin, function, and vascular territory.
- Developed in Unity using OculusVR SDK for VR interactions.
- Compatible with Meta Quest and other VR headsets supporting OpenXR.
- Based on a 22-minute video lecture and focus group discussions with two anatomy instructors.
- Development & Research: Matisse Poupard - CATIE and Flowers Inria Bordeaux.
- Scientific Supervision: H. Sauzéon, A. Tricot, F. Larrue, D. Liguoro, M. Bertrand.
- Cerebral Arterial System: Created by Doctor Jana (purchased model under Standard License).
- Chemistry Lab: Created by Chandan kumar singh (purchased model under license).
- Poupard, M., Larrue, F., Bertrand, M., Liguoro, D., Sauzéon, H., & Tricot, A. (2026). From movement to learning: Leveraging VR behavioral metrics to evaluate cognitive load and curiosity. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 103751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2026.103751
- Poupard, M., Larrue, F., Bertrand, M., Tricot, A., & Sauzéon, H. (2025). Using virtual reality for enhancing neuroanatomy learning by optimizing cognitive load and intrinsic motivation. Computers & Education, 235, 105332. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2025.105332
For inquiries or collaborations, please contact poupard.matisse@gmail.com.