The Challenge:
In Hong Kong, the intersection of extreme spatial constraints and an aging population creates a unique challenge for Occupational Therapists. Modifying a public housing unit for a person with a disability requires more than just clinical knowledge—it requires the ability to visualize complex architectural changes within a confined, high-density environment.
The Solution:
Angry Shiba Studio developed the Accessible Home Designer (AHD) — a high-fidelity VR simulation platform that serves as a "living laboratory" for OT students.
We meticulously recreated the exact floor plans and architectural standards of Hong Kong Public Housing. AHD allows students to enter a virtual replica of a real Hong Kong home, experience the daily struggles of a patient with a disability, and perform real-time modifications—from bathroom widening to kitchen height adjustments—all while adhering to strict local housing regulations.
The Human Side of the Tech:
AHD is not just a building tool; it is an empathy engine.
- Context-Aware Learning:
Students don't just "drag and drop" furniture; they solve spatial puzzles based on real-world Hong Kong case studies. - Clinical Validation: Every modification is checked against the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) standards, ensuring that what is built in the virtual world is viable in the physical one.
- Impactful Outcomes: By mastering these modifications in VR, future OTs can improve the safety and independence of thousands of residents in the physical world.
The Impact:
Currently deployed at Tung Wah College, AHD has revolutionized how OT students bridge the gap between textbook standards and the complex urban realities of Hong Kong. We are vitalizing the system of home care, one virtual modification at a time.
