At Queensland University of Technology a professor of industrial design created a very involved video game device, called Ditto, that can distract a child burn victim long enough to change the bandages without too much suffering.
“It was important that the product took only seconds to engage the child and it was also important that the distraction lasted 20 minutes, about the length of time it usually takes a nurse to replace burns bandaging,” Professor Bucolo said
“The child holds the circular Ditto device and tilts it to navigate through the virtual world, rather than using a keyboard or separate game controller.
“The whole form of the toy is the interface. It has a touch screen and vibrating handles.
“Children can choose a character who accompanies them through the games, ‘find and touch’ stories and sing-along movies. They can also take a figurine of their character home with them.”
Professor Bucolo said the virtual world could be seen from all angles simply by moving the toy.
“They can even look underneath objects by tipping it upside-down,” he said.
Product page: ditto…
Press release: Burnt kids’ pain lessened by distracting device
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