Biofeedback and Virtual Environments

Abstract

This paper explains potential benefits of indirect biofeedback used within interactive virtual environments, and reflects on an earlier study that allowed for the dynamic modification of a virtual environment's graphic shaders, music and artificial intelligence, based on the biofeedback of the player. The aim was to determine which augmented effects aided or discouraged engagement in the game. Conversely, biofeedback can help calm down rather than stress participants, and attune them to different ways of interacting within a virtual environment. Other advantages of indirect biofeedback might include increased personalization, thematic object creation, atmospheric augmentation, filtering of information, and tracking of participants' understanding and engagement. Such features may help designers create more intuitive virtual environments with more thematically appropriate interaction while reducing cognitive loading on the participants. Another benefit would be more engaged clients with a better understanding of the richness and complexity of a digital environment.

Validation of the COVID-19 Disbelief Scale: Conditional indirect effects of religiosity and COVID-19 fear on intent to vaccinate

“…For example, U.K. health officials effectively advertised, “Keep Calm and Remember Hands, Face, Space” to redirect fear toward preventative behaviors ( Ashford Borough Council, 2021 ). Changes in an environment can trigger physiological responses ( Champion & Dekker, 2011 ; McQuiggan, Lee, & Lester, 2006 ). The COVID-19 pandemic caused major societal changes resulting in many losing their jobs, loved ones, and normal way of life ( Arora & Grey, 2020 ).…”

Digital games in laboratory experiments: Controlling a complex stimulus through modding.

“…An advanced mod of Half-Life 2 (Valve, 2004a) can be found in Dekker and Champion (2007), which allowed the researchers to record and transfer biometric information online through finger sensors into the game. Their aim was to improve the user experience by adaptively modifying the game during play according to specific physiological responses (see also Champion & Dekker, 2011). Klimmt, Hartmann, and Frey (2007) created two modifications of a Breakout-style game to test whether reduced control (higher difficulty) and reduced effectance (unresponsive input device) would decrease game enjoyment.…”

Modelling Virtual Heritage Environments using Hierarchy-Embedded Virtual Objects

“…As issued by [7], the study of real elements needed in VH should be further implemented to create sense of place. It is because typical VEs are often criticised for being lifeless, empty and lacking live contents [27,28]. The insertion of the right elements in VH may attract users to explore the VHE and at the same time to encourage learning to be happened.…”