Study of Assessment Methods for VR Meditation Applications
General description of the project
In this project, we explored peer-reviewed articles that conducted studies on VR applications for meditation and investigated similar software applications and their methods for product assessment. For example, we researched a topic on mobile applications for mediation versus traditional techniques and how can apply the same methods to Virtual Reality. This is important because it demonstrates how meditation techniques and an objective in a Virtual Reality Simulation can help a user gain a deeper focus.
Technologies
The technology we plan to use is a computer, Virtual Reality headset, headphones, and a Virtual Reality simulation using Unity. To measure the effectiveness of Virtual Reality Meditation we planned to create a point-based scale questionnaire that measures attention based on the state of presence and emotions of the user. The questionnaire will be conducted before and after meditation training, the questionnaire will include a background section, a sense of presence section, and an attention awareness section that includes the emotions the user feels (happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, anxiety, relaxation, and energy) based on the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale.
Explain project results
Virtual Reality gives us a new insight into how meditation techniques can be used in a VR Simulation and gives a user an objective instead of using traditional techniques to enhance a user’s experience. Our work is expected to contribute to the construction of an integrated system for attention self-evaluation, meditation, guided training, and performance assessment.
Why it should be considered best practice?
This project should be considered a “best practice” and be replicated for users who are new to meditation or users who are not used to traditional techniques of meditation. Users who use Virtual Reality meditation find it easier to relax, reduce stress and anxiety, and gain a deeper focus.
Highlights of your proposed presentation
Overall, meditation proves to be beneficial for everyone. With emerging methods like Virtual Reality, there is an opportunity to enhancing the experience for users who are newcomers and existing practitioners alike.
The Evaluation Committee will evaluate submitted proposals based on the following criteria. Each area will be rated on a scale from 1 to 7 (1= non-satisfactory; 7 =outstanding), for a maximum of 63 points.