Bitter Bearista – Mental Health Visual Novel Prototype

Kim Huynh
Illustration
User Experience
User Interface
Over the course of DESN410 and DESN415, I researched video games and how to integrate cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) into a game. After months of ideation and research, I decided to create a mental health visual novel with elements of CBT. Here is a video prototype of a burnt-out black bear barista who’s struggling to manage university and part-time work.
Bitter Bearista – Mental Health Visual Novel Prototype - Image 1
In DESN410, I conducted an extended literature review consisting of articles on the effects of gaming, cognitive behavioural therapy, and game design. I interviewed three individuals (2 experts and 1 student). I also conducted a precedent analysis of 40 games and identified any user reviews with therapeutic benefit from gaming.
Bitter Bearista – Mental Health Visual Novel Prototype - Image 2
Bitter Bearista – Mental Health Visual Novel Prototype - Image 3