Immersive Interactive Technologies for Positive Change: A Scoping Review and Design Considerations

Abstract

Practices such as mindfulness, introspection, and self-reflection are known to have positive short and long-term effects on health and well-being. However, in today's modern, fast-paced, technological world tempted by distractions these practices are often hard to access and relate to a broader audience. Consequently, technologies have emerged that mediate personal experiences, which is reflected in the high number of available applications designed to elicit positive changes. These technologies elicit positive changes by bringing users' attention to the self—from technologies that show representation of quantified personal data, to technologies that provide experiences that guide the user closer in understanding the self. However, while many designs available today are either built to support or are informed by these aforementioned practices, the question remains: how can we most effectively employ different design elements and interaction strategies to support positive change? Moreover, what types of input and output modalities contribute to eliciting positive states? To address these questions, we present here a state of the art scoping review of immersive interactive technologies that serve in a role of a mediator for positive change in users. We performed a literature search using ACM Digital Library, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and Design and Applied Arts Index (beginning of literature—January 1, 2018). We retrieved English-language articles for review, and we searched for published and unpublished studies. Risk of bias was assessed with Downs and Black 26-item QAT scale. We included 34 articles as relevant to the literature, and the analysis of the articles resulted in 38 instances of 33 immersive, interactive experiences relating to positive human functioning. Our contribution is three-fold: First we provide a scoping review of immersive interactive technologies for positive change; Second, we propose both a framework for future designs of positive interactive technologies and design consideration informed by the comparative analysis of the designs; Third, we provide design considerations for immersive, interactive technologies to elicit positive states and support positive change.

Are You Awed Yet? How Virtual Reality Gives Us Awe and Goose Bumps

“…Since induction of such positive emotions and improvement to attitudes are possible through VR ( Riva et al, 2016 ), the implications for changes to an individual’s well-being are encouraging. Several VR environments have been created in the past several decades that may be categorized as a form of “positive technology” with wellness outcomes, and researchers together with designers are exploring this maturing area ( Riva et al, 2012 ; Riva et al, 2016 ; Baños et al, 2017 ; Gaggioli et al, 2017 ; Kitson et al, 2018 ).…”

Culture 4 all: accessibility-enabled cultural experiences through immersive VR360 content

“…The common classifications by gender and age impact the interaction with ICT and participation in cultural content [6]. Not all consumers behave or have similar levels of enjoyment when interacting with VR experiences [7]. A significant percentage of the population has accessibility needs, which is augmented by the increasing ageing population.…”

Immediate Attention Enhancement and Restoration From Interactive and Immersive Technologies: A Scoping Review

“…Interactive technologies are unique, as they encourage the user to modify the form and content of digital environments in real time (Steuer, 1992;Rubio-Tamayo et al, 2017). This is typical of challenge-based interactions found in digital games (Jin, 2012), certain mobile apps, and experimental setups designed for positive human functioning (Kitson et al, 2018;Niksirat et al, 2019). For the wider population, interactive experiences are most prominent within video games, ranging from simplistic, satisfying interactions in casual video games like Bejeweled (PopCap Games, 2001) or Angry birds (Rovio Entertainment, 2009), to more fast-paced, demanding interactions in action video games like Call of Duty (Infinity Ward, 2003) or League of Legends (Riot Games, 2009).…”