The Brief

Client: Department of Anatomy at the University of Aberdeen (Flora Groning, Laura Perez)

Mentors: Paul Robertson, Robin Sloan

Concept: The human body in motion

Understanding the 3D Anatomy of the heart is essential to learn the function of this organ. Anatomy students learn the 3D arrangement of its anatomical structures by using cadaveric specimens, but this material is very limited. For this reason, digital games are extremely useful to study the anatomy of the heart, as they offer the possibility to interact with anatomical 3D models and test the user’s knowledge. However, current digital games have limited tools for measuring the students’ performance. The aim of this project is to create a game prototype which includes feedback on performance focusing on the function of the human heart. This learning tool would:

• Provide an interactive 3D model of the human heart

• Make use of 3D scan data of a real human heart

• Use game-play to test the students’ knowledge

Purpose:

The purpose of this project is to develop a teaching tool prototype that greatly enhances our teaching of anatomy by 1) visualising the anatomy and function of the heart, and 2) making the teaching more interactive

Why pick this brief?:

This brief would be appropriate for any students interested in developing tools, technologies, 3D art, and gameplay scenarios using Unreal Engine 4. In particular, it would be of interest to those students are have an interest in applied use of games. The underlying project has already drawn national media attention, and the team working on this project will have the opportunity to develop a learning game that will likely be incorporated into future teaching, research papers, and press coverage.

Technologies:

Students will be working with Unreal Engine 4, and the brief will provide a challenge to programmers and designers interested in using this engine. Mentorship on UE4 will be provided by Dr Paul Robertson.

Collaborations:

The team will work with Dr Flora Groning – an anatomy Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen who will give expert advice on both anatomy and teaching.

Audiences:

There are many possible audiences for this learning tool as many professions require an understanding of human anatomy, but the main target groups are:

• Students of medicine, biomedical sciences, sports science, physiotherapy and related subjects

• Students of arts and design

• Developers of animations for film, television and computer games

• Anyone with an interest in how the human body works

Deliverables Needed:

• The team will be provided access to an existing UE4 prototype which they can use as the basis for their more fully designed and developed anatomy application. The team should deliver a build that includes their design and code work, along with any accompanying materials and documentation as outlined in meetings with the client.

• User evaluation will form part of the brief, so a Game Designer may look to focus on developing a testing method and carrying our user/player tests.

Press links:

http://www.scotsman.com/news/scots-game-designers-develop-3d-digital-anatomy-trainingtool-1-4138860