Transforming patient journeys through digital art interaction

Abstract

Clinical environments can provoke heightened anxiety and stress in paediatric patients, which may negatively affect treatment experiences and outcomes. This project developed and implemented a suite of immersive digital art interventions designed to transform patient journeys within newly redeveloped paediatric hospital facilities at Westmead and Randwick, Australia. Delivered through the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Arts, Play and Discovery strategy, and created in collaboration with creative technology practitioners and clinical stakeholders, the project introduced three interactive systems: Mind Forest, a participatory visual ecosystem generated from patient drawings; BioHarmony, an interactive soundscape allowing patients to create personalised audio environments; and Growth Canopy, perceptually designed ceiling installations to engage attention during supine treatment phases. These experiences were designed to integrate seamlessly into clinical workflows while leveraging principles from neuroscience, perceptual psychology, and human–computer interaction to support emotional regulation, attentional engagement, and a sense of agency. The interventions aimed to reduce stress responses by encouraging mindful sensory interaction, providing calming distraction, and creating psychologically supportive environments for children undergoing medical procedures.

This project demonstrates how interactive digital art can function as a therapeutic interface within clinical settings, reframing hospital environments as responsive, participatory systems rather than passive treatment spaces. The work establishes a model for integrating perceptually informed, immersive media into healthcare infrastructure, highlighting the potential for digital art to enhance patient wellbeing, improve clinical experience, and contribute to the emerging field of neuro-informed healthcare design. Show more