SpellBound, a Michigan startup, is using augmented reality to give pediatric patients “moments of escape and joy”

SpellBound, a Michigan startup, is changing the way that pediatric therapy is done and create amazing patient experiences. SpellBound is a therapeutic tool that uses augmented reality technology to help children cope and engage with medical treatment. SpellBound is used by pediatric specialists to improve procedural compliance and reduce trauma for their patients. SpellBound’s mobile app turns paper books into virtual popup books. The app brings favorite childhood book characters to life, allowing them to talk and materialize in 3D.  How does SpellBound do this? With magic and a little bit of augmented reality technology, the company said on its IndieGogo crowdfunding page. To date, the company has $3,731 USD from 58 backers.

How does the app work?

SpellBound uses the mobile devices (iOS and Android tablets and smartphones) you already own to turn children’s print items (books, cards) into 3D, interactive experiences. Using the SpellBound AR app, hold a mobile device up to one of the books or cards and see characters, animals, and scenes emerge in 3D, with animations, music, and sounds. The interactions were engineered with the help of certified child life specialists and rehab engineers to be effective for distraction therapy and motor skill rehabilitation. To use the app,  simply launch the SpellBound app and hold a smartphone to the pages of a paper book just like a camera and you’ll see the book come alive. Therapists like Child Life Specialists are currently using the technology to help kids understand and deal with emotional challenges that come with hospitalization. SpellBound can play a role in distracting during painful procedures, helping kids cope with stressful situations, and entertaining children in isolation.

SpellBound was founded by Christina York in January 2015. She has 17 years experience in the tech industry, and has implemented technology solutions in hospitals.