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 Ext. Abstr. CHI Conf. Hum. Factors Comput. Syst., 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)