Vr 'Serenity' App for Kids Highlights Mcmillon Innovation Studio'S Demo Day


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When Jackson Ritchey was in high school, "I have wanted to work with virtual reality," the University of Arkansas student tells Arkansas Matters.

His solution? An app called Infia Serenity that pairs with virtual reality headsets to create calming environments for kids with autism and other special needs.

The app won the top prize at the McMillon Innovation Studio's spring 2023 Demo Day on May 3.

"Since early high school I have wanted to work with virtual reality," Ritchey says.

"To me, (it) bridges the gap between computer science, art, and functionality."

The app allows teachers and students to select digital environments, including a waterfall of wonder, a festival of lanterns, and a sea of tranquility.

Users can also customize the environments to their liking, including color temperature and saturation.

Serenity was inspired by Ritchey's brother, who has autism.

"My little brother has autism Spectrum Disorder, and I have become aware that there are several overlooked needs in the ASD community that need to be addressed," Kendall Jasper, the app's co-presenter at Demo Day, tells Arkansas Matters.

"I realized the potential of Serenity, and how revolutionary it can be in addressing this problem in the classroom."

The app is currently in beta, and

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