EEG and Sonic Platforms to Enhance Mindfulness Meditation

Abstract

<p>This paper explores interactive applications that encourage mindfulness through sensors and novel input technology. Research in psychology and neuroscience demonstrating the benefits of mindfulness is initiating a new movement in interactive design. As cutting edge technologies become more accessible they are being employed to research and explore the practice of mindfulness. We examine three interactive installation artworks that promote mindfulness. In order to contextualize the interactive artworks discussed we first examine the historical background of the Electroencephalogram (EEG). We then discuss the physiological processes of meditation and the history behind the clinical practice of mindfulness. We show how artists and designers employ EEG sensors, to record the electrical activity of the brain to visualize mindfulness meditation practices. Lastly, we conclude the paper by discussing the future of the three artworks.</p>

A Review of EEG and fMRI Measuring Aesthetic Processing in Visual User Experience Research

“…Meanwhile, artistic active or reactive BCI can import users' EEG data and present creative forms on the visual interaction application. These inventions can enhance the original user experience quality, such as mindfulness brain painting [ 44 ]. Finally, future researchers and designers can combine computational intelligence (machine learning, deep learning, etc.)…”

“…Several studies have used both devices to study visual brain biofeedback on user experience. Past research used a brainwave headset to practice meditation on seven chakras and visualize their minds through Neurosky Mindwave [ 44 ]. Antonijevic's team used EPOC+ to test users' visual memory performance [ 45 ].…”

“…Currently, the BCI can record users' meditation and attention values to analyze their current mental status. The meditation value can test the mindfulness effect of the corresponding art therapy [ 44 ]. Neurosky Company developed one wearable technology called the Mindwave headset, and the company invented meditation algorithms.…”

“…Current wearable BCI technology can link with mindfulness and user meditation data to create a brain-painting artwork. Mindfulness art therapy is combined with seven-chakra meditation to improve the mindfulness effect through digital visual stimuli technology [ 44 ]. Pauline Wills [ 96 ] classified chakra concepts into seven colors: red-base chakra, orange-sacral chakra, yellow-solar plexus chakra, green-heart chakra, blue-throat chakra, indigo-brow chakra, and violet-crown chakra.…”

“…Pauline Wills [ 96 ] classified chakra concepts into seven colors: red-base chakra, orange-sacral chakra, yellow-solar plexus chakra, green-heart chakra, blue-throat chakra, indigo-brow chakra, and violet-crown chakra. Past research used abstract brain wave patterns to depict the seven-chakra situations to help users visualize their current meditation mind status [ 44 ]. Abstract art brainwave patterns intensify people's interest in practicing healthy mindfulness exercises.…”