HeartRhythm Meditation (VR)
HeartRhythm Meditation (VR), Dec 2023, VR Meditation
HeartRhythm VR Meditation fuses virtual reality, biometric feedback, and interactive artistry. VR Meditation utilizes two devices: a sports wristband that detects heart rate and a VR headset. The sports wristband sends heart rate data to the VR headset via Bluetooth. The VR environment generates scene changes based on the received heart rate data. This experience transcends traditional meditation, offering a personalized journey through an environment that dynamically responds to one’s heart rate. At the same time, this experimental project is exploring a possibility: how to construct a more authentic and immersive reality through a close connection with human biological characteristics and transcend the experience of reality with virtual scenes.
Researches
1. VR relaxation clinic, 2021 June
In a VR clinic, participants explored 360-degree natural environments in VR, including underwater, mountain, and pastoral settings. Over 85% of participants preferred water-related environments, indicating high engagement with aquatic and serene beach scenes. Participants reported reduced stress, anxiety, and sadness, along with improved relaxation and happiness, highlighting the effectiveness of VR nature themes in enhancing mental health in psychiatric patients
Riches, Simon, et al. “Integrating a Virtual Reality Relaxation Clinic within Acute Psychiatric Services: A Pilot Study.” Psychiatry Research, vol. 329, 2023, p. 115477.
2. “Effect of Heartfulness cleaning and meditation on heart rate variability”
Heartfulness practices significantly reduced HRmax, LFnu, and LF/HF ratio, indicating a shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic activity. These changes suggest slowed heart rates and the attainment of a meditative state, demonstrating the potential of Heartfulness methods to improve autonomic balance.
Arya, Narendra K., et al. "Effect of Heartfulness Cleaning and Meditation on Heart Rate Variability." Indian Heart Journal, vol. 70, 2018, pp. S50-S55, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ihj.2018.05.004. Accessed 12 Jan. 2024.
Visual Design
Concept design of the VR meditation scene
Design of the Pavilion
Design of the Terrain
Scene design in Unity
Function Design
How VR meditation environments change based on heart rate:
Devices
The sports wristband that detects heart rate sends heart rate data to the VR headset via Bluetooth. The VR environment generates scene changes based on the received heart rate data.
1. A sports wristband
2. A VR headset
Meditation Journey
1, Setting Up
The user equips themselves with a VR headset and a sports wristband that tracks their heart rate, entering a preparatory state for the meditation experience.
2, Personalizing Thresholds
The user customizes their meditation session by setting personal heart rate thresholds. These thresholds determine how the VR environment will adapt to changes in their heart rate during meditation.
3, Dynamic Environment Adaptation
As the user's heart rate fluctuates, the VR environment responds accordingly, shifting scenes to match the user's physiological state.
Heavy Rain– High heart Rate
Light Rain– Medium heart Rate
Sunny – Low heart Rate
4, Day-Night Cycle Adaptation
The VR experience includes a day-night cycle that changes in real-time. This cycle can be aligned with the user's meditation progress, offering a unique visual representation of the passage of time and the deepening of the meditation state.