The Rise of Hikikomori in Italian Youth – This project introduces approaches to addressing the challenges faced by hikikomori youth in Italy, using augmented reality-based location gaming as a means of gradual reintegration into society.
At the heart of this project is a XP point system, designed to align with the well-documented study that suggests it takes 66 days to establish a habit. This system aims to encourage participants to form a daily habit of reintegration, offering a structured journey through three distinct levels.
In the initial level, participants embark on relaxed tasks such as leisurely walks in the park, easing them into the process of reintegration. As they progress to level 2, challenges become more demanding and inherently social, the social aspect of level 2 can be found when Gamers gain the ability to unlock the meeting pod and meetings with fellow hikikomori as the app will notify you when a Hikikomori with similar interests to you is within a 1-mile radius, this fosters connections and helping them regain the socialization they may have lost due to the condition which is known to cause social withdrawal.
The final level, level 3, introduces a special collaborative feature, allowing participants to work together to earn XP points and complete quest together. This collaborative element further enhances their sense of community and achievement as they strive towards reintegration, furthering social connections.
To ensure a safe and supportive environment, anxiety pods located near quests can be booked via the app, to provide a convenient escape for individuals experiencing anxiety during their quests, equipped with therapeutic items like light therapy boxes, binaural beats via iPads, and ventilation control through the same iPads, enhancing the overall therapeutic experience.
My project invites you to consider new and innovative ways to help hikikomori youth reintegrate into society while fostering positive habits and connections.