FractalBrain: A Neuro-interactive Virtual Reality Experience using Electroencephalogram (EEG) for Mindfulness

Jamie Ngoc Dinh, You-Jin Kim, Myungin Lee:
FractalBrain: A Neuro-interactive Virtual Reality Experience using Electroencephalogram (EEG) for Mindfulness. In: ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, ACM CHI 2024 Interactivity
Presented: ACM CHI 2024 - [Interactivity Sessions] May 11–16, 2024, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 

▪️  DOI: 10.1145/3613905.3648667    ▪️  arXiv: 10.48550/arXiv.2510.26041

Abstract

Mindfulness has been studied and practiced in enhancing psychological well-being while reducing neuroticism and psychopathological indicators. However, practicing mindfulness with continuous attention is challenging, especially for beginners. In the proposed system, FractalBrain, we utilize an interactive audiovisual fractal with a geometric repetitive pattern that has been demonstrated to induce meditative effects. FractalBrain presents an experience combining a surreal virtual reality (VR) program with an electroencephalogram (EEG) interface. While viewing an ever-changing fractal-inspired artwork in an immersive environment, the user's EEG stream is analyzed and mapped into VR. These EEG data adaptively manipulates the audiovisual parameters in real-time, generating a distinct experience for each user. The pilot feedback suggests the potential of the FractalBrain to facilitate mindfulness and enhance attention.

Research Contributions

• Mindfulness practice fosters non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, significantly improving subjective well-being and enhancing overall behavioral regulation.

• Research demonstrates that viewing EEG-synced visualizers (fractal patterns) reduces physiological stress levels, as evidenced by measurable decreases in skin conductance.

• Fractal-inspired visuals elicit maximal alpha responses in the brain's frontal region, indicating a deeply relaxed and calm meditative state.

• Fractals with balanced visual complexity efficiently capture human attention by activating the parietal region, making them ideal for meditation.

• Synchronizing real-time EEG data with matched audiovisual synthesis allows users to achieve a meditative state more effectively.

Citation IEEE Format

[1] J. N. Dinh, Y-J. Kim, and M. Lee, "FractalBrain: A Neuro-interactive Virtual Reality Experience using Electroencephalogram (EEG) for Mindfulness," in Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA '24), 2024, Art. no. 406, pp. 1–4. doi: 10.1145/3613905.3648667. (4 Pages)

Citation APA Format

Dinh, J. N., Kim, Y-J., & Lee, M. (2024). FractalBrain: A neuro-interactive virtual reality experience using electroencephalogram (EEG) for mindfulness. Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Article 406, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1145/3613905.3648667. (4 Pages)