Virtual Galaxy for Emotional Self-reflection : How Virtual Reality Can Help with Detached Mindfulness Practice

Sammanfattning

Finding ways to regulate our emotions has been challenging, especially at the time when stress is such an integral part of our day to day lives. Various technological advancements have been made within the interaction design field to help people manage their stress and emotional states. Within it, virtual reality (VR) has been explored as a promising tool with a wide range of possibilities owing to its immersivity. In this project I explore what design features in a virtual environment can encourage self-reflection and an appreciative way of viewing one’s emotions. I rely on the practice of detached mindfulness which is centered around acknowledging and observing one’s thoughts and emotions without engagement and judgement. The prototype presented in this paper, StarLog, is a VR experience that invites people to express their emotions and then view them in their own personal galaxy. The user logs their emotional state by sculpting their own star which they can then place in the galaxy environment for later viewing. This practice is meant for long-term engagement as the more stars the users input, the richer the galaxy. It is meant to elicit the sense of awe by externalising and observing the emotions that may be uncomfortable to feel. To the field of interaction design, I offer the design process overview of the prototype, recommendations for future development of VR systems for emotion regulation and a critical analysis of VR as a tool for self-reflection.