Respireal: Enriching Human-Nature Connection through a Breath-Controlled Mixed Reality Experience

Abstract

Biofeedback in mixed reality offers a powerful means of enhancing users’ bodily awareness and reconnecting people with nature. “Respireal” is an innovative mixed reality breathing game that enables participants to foster the growth of virtual plants through conscious breathing, while also facilitating seamless transitions between virtual and real natural environments via breath control. A preliminary study involving seven participants indicated that the system not only heightened their awareness of breathing but also enriched their engagement with nature. This work aims to inspire HCI researchers to further explore how interactive technologies can deepen the connection between humans and the natural world.

Authors

Hong Luo, Pengtao Zhao, Hongyue Wang, Vincent van Rheden, Rakesh Patibanda, Yizhen Wang, Yuchen Hu, Don Samitha Elvitigala, Florian ‘Floyd’ Mueller

Keywords

Collaborators