SUMMARY

South Africa faces numerous challenges in medical education, specifically in anatomy education, where a shortage and costs of cadavers, 3D models, and equipment can make learning and teaching anatomy challenging. This study introduces Neck UP XR, an interactive immersive anatomy education tool developed at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, using the agile scrum methodology and participatory design approach. Neck-UP XR will be developed using the Unity Game Engine, Visual Studio, and 3Ds Max software, where the main features include 3D mode, AR mode, a glossary, and gamified quizzes. The solution intends to assist students in studying and memorising the scientific names, origins, insertions, and movements of the musculoskeletal system of the human cranio-cervical region. Additionally, the solution has the potential to promote student engagement through immersive 3D visualisation, i.e., augmented and virtual reality, and address accessibility issues.

Mission of the Project

This project aims to revolutionize anatomy education in South Africa by developing an accessible, cost-effective extended reality (XR) platform focused on the cranio-cervical region. By replacing traditional cadaver-based methods with immersive 3D visualizations, virtual dissections, and gamified quizzes, the solution addresses critical challenges like resource shortages and spatial learning barriers. Accessible via AR/VR on multiple devices, it empowers students with interactive, scalable learning tools to enhance engagement, retention, and clinical preparedness—bridging gaps in medical education for underserved institutions. 

Documentation and Presentations

The Team