Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is EVA Park?

  • What is EVA Park?
    • EVA is an on-line 3D virtual environment designed with and for people with aphasia to practice communication, do speech therapy, and make social connections. People in EVA Park are represented by avatars – personalised characters who interact in the virtual world.
  • What do you mean by virtual?
    • We mean a virtual world, or online 3D space you can explore, meet other people, and practice talking. You are not talking to virtual other people or robots, but real people who are logged on at the same time.
    • It is not immersive virtual reality – it is a 3D world on a screen, much like a computer game in real time. You do not need to wear a virtual reality headset like Oculus Rift or Google cardboard.
  • How do you communicate in EVA Park?
    • You do this by talking into a microphone, and listening with headphones. You also have the option of typing text to support speech and understanding.

How do I access EVA Park?

  • How do I access EVA Park?
    • You will need a computer attached to the internet.
    • You access EVA Park using viewer software, like a web browser but for a 3D environment. You will be represented by an avatar, or computer character, in the virtual world.
    • You use a keypad with arrows to move and fly around.
    • You click on and interact with things in the world using a mouse or trackpad.
    • You type using the keyboard.
    • You hear using headphones, speakers or a headset.
    • You talk into a microphone, often just the in-built microphone a laptop has.
  • Is EVA Park available on iPhone / iPad / Andoid?
    • No. There are no suitable iOS or Google viewers available to access EVA Park.
  • Is EVA Park available on Mac and PC?
    • Yes, both.
  • What are the available options for avatars?
    • You can personalise your avatar in many ways to change their appearance and clothing.
    • In EVA Park all the avatars are humanoid. There are many non-human or fantastical accessories however that you can add to human avatar, e.g. wings.
  • How do I move my avatar?
    • You move using the computer keyboard, or a simplified keypad. Minimally you use the arrow keys for directions, and Page Up & Page Down buttons to fly. However, there are many other keyboard controls.
  • What can my avatar do in EVA Park?
    • Walk or fly around to explore the environment.
    • Touch or sit on things to interact with them.
    • Talk with other people in the world.
    • Practice speech therapy tasks, or work towards functional goals.
    • Have group discussion.
    • Dance, swim or relax.
    • Watch videos.
    • Meditate on a giant rubber duck…
  • Is there a minimum specification computer?
  • Is there a minimum speed of broadband connection required to use EVA Park?
    • Yes. EVA Park will work well at speeds of 3mbps and over, the higher the better. It may work at speeds between 1 and 3 mbps, but may be slow and have lag.
  • Can it be used with Wi-Fi or does it need a cabled internet connection?
    • EVA works on Wi-Fi, but a cabled internet connection is preferred where possible. It is more robust. It is better to turn off other devices which are using the internet if you are using EVA Park, to maximise the smoothness of the experience.
  • Can it be used with a dongle?
    • Yes, EVA will work on a 4G or 3G dongle with a stable connection.
  • What data protection is in place?
    • All that is required to create an avatar is an e-mail address. No other personal information is required to access EVA Park. EVA Park is a closed world, and people who have not been set up will not be able to access EVA Park. Anonymised log data e.g. of where avatars have visited, may be collected. You will need to follow local data protection procedures.

Is EVA Park available?

  • No, not yet. We are still researching EVA Park’s uses, and the feasability of making EVA Park widely available. Our research will result in a robust technology, with technical & therapy manuals. We envisage two types of user: 1) Speech & language therapists using the world to deliver therapy and practice communication, and 2) communication support groups.
  • When will EVA Park be available for use?
    • The prototype EVA Park is currently available to therapists and teams who register as “Early Adopters”.
  • How much will it cost?
    • Our goal is to make EVA Park available on a not-for-profit basis. There will be a charge to cover the cost of hosting, time and staffing.
  • Is it possible to invest in EVA Park?
    • If you are interested in supporting the research, or investing in the new version of EVA Park, please contact us