Introduction: I co-founded a medical startup in 2018 with a physician based on the importance of HRV and the parasympathetic nervous system. Our mission was to create immersive experiences that help patients improve their biometrics. We raised angel investment to develop a prototype, which included a VR module for shinrin-yoku (Japanese for "forest bathing"), biometrics measurement, and reporting. Our target market was Seattle-based Direct Primary Care physicians.
Scope and Role: As co-founder and product manager, I worked with the physician to define our target outcomes and collaborate with contractor developers and designers to build the MVP. We performed research on HRV and parasympathetic nervous system target metrics, developed the VR module, and designed the storage and reporting capabilities for patient biometrics.
Approach and Challenges: Our main goal was to show an appreciable improvement in biometrics through an immersive experience. We used user-centered design and agile development methodologies to build the MVP. We analyzed biometric data using time-domain and frequency-domain analysis and implemented data management and analysis capabilities. However, we faced challenges in demonstrating the therapeutic effects of VR technology. While some patients showed an improvement in their metrics, others experienced anxiety and the opposite effect.
Results and Outcomes: The MVP did not demonstrate the outcomes necessary to justify further development with the VR capabilities available at the time. However, we gained valuable experience in biometrics, product management, raising capital, business development, and data analysis.
Lessons Learned: The project provided opportunities to develop and improve skills in VR, biometrics, product management, raising capital, business development, and data analysis. These skills can be applied to other projects and contexts, even beyond the medical industry.