B Bin Yu

LivingSurface: Biofeedback through Shape-changing Display

In this paper we describe the concept, design and implementation of LivingSurface, an interactive wall-like surface as a shape-changing display of biofeedback. The surface changes its shape responding to an individuals physiological data, reflecting the internal bodily processes. The surface design basically consists of two layers: the pattern layer (front layer) and the actuating layer (back layer). The first is a complex paper-based structure with repetitive incisions created by laser cutting. The actuating layer serves as a medium transforming the force from servomotors, vibration motors or fans into an action on the pattern layer. The cutout patterns are stimulated to vibrate, swing, bulge, or rotate which is used to display physiological information in dynamic physical form. This work has been exhibited on Milan Design Week 2015; we collected and analyzed the feedback from the visitors during the exhibition and discuss the possibilities of the proposed surfaces as a shape-changing interface of biofeedback or an ambient display of information.

Design and Evaluation of an Ambient Lighting Interface of HRV Biofeedback System in Home Setting

Chronic stress puts individuals at an increasing risk of numerous health problems. In this study, we present an ambient lighting interface of a biofeedback system that helps users to self-regulate their breathing pattern in a home environment. To evaluate the usability and functionality of the ambient lighting interface, an experiment was conducted with 12 participants. The results suggest that users would be able to use ambient lighting biofeedback to regulate their breathing with the purpose of improving heart rate variability. Moreover, the lighting interface designed in the study is more acceptable than a traditional graphic interface for home use. We discuss these results as well as design implications for the interface of future biofeedback systems.

Breathe with Touch: A Tactile Interface for Breathing Assistance System

Breathing techniques have been widely used as an aid in stress-reduction and relaxation exercises. Most breathing assistance systems present breathing guidance in visual or auditory forms. In this study, we explored a tactile interface of a breathing assistance system by using a shape-changing airbag. We hypothesized that it would help users perform the breathing exercise more effectively and enhance their relaxing experience. The feasibility of the tactile interface was evaluated from three aspects: stress reduction, breathing training and interface usability. The results showed that for most participants, the overall heart rate variability were improved after breathing training. Moreover, “Breathe with Touch” brought users better satisfaction during the exercise. We discuss these results and future design implications for designing tactile interfaces for breathing guidance.

A model of nature soundscape for calm information display

Calm technology has been stressed in designing the interaction with information, especially in ubiquitous computing, peripheral interaction and ambient display. Inspired by the research on calm technology and model-based sonification, we aim to build a model of nature soundscape for supporting calm information display. A three-layer structure is proposed for construction of the nature soundscape. The structure includes seven acoustic parameters. By setting each of seven acoustic parameters into three levels, seven groups of soundscape samples were created and evaluated in an experiment with 20 participants. Each participant was exposed to 21 soundscape samples to assess each sample regarding seven perceptual attributes through a rating scale. Based on the results, a perceptual model is proposed to link the acoustic parameters of individual nature sounds and the perceptual attributes of the nature soundscape. The developed model offers the designers and practitioners a new tool to utilize nature sounds in the design of the auditory display which could support the calm technology.

A Study on User Acceptance of Different Auditory Content for Relaxation

The use of auditory interface at the relaxation-assisted interactive system is becoming increasingly popular. This study aims to investigate the effects of different types of auditory content on the subjective relaxation experience. The participants listened to fifteen sound samples from five categories: (a) nature white noise, (b) natural soundscape, (c) ambient music, (d) instrumental music, (e) instrumental music mixed with the natural soundscape. These auditory contents were selected or designed specifically for assisting relaxation. The study measured the subjective relaxation rating after listening to each sample and interviewed the listeners to understand what causes the differences in relaxation experience. The results indicate that the instrumental music and the combination of nature soundscape and music might be a better auditory content or audio form to induce relaxation compared to the ambient music, pure natural soundscape, and nature white noise. The findings of this study can be used in the design of musical and auditory display in many interactive systems for stress mitigation and relaxation exercises.

Interact Through Your Data: Collective Immersive Experience Design for Indoor Exercises

This paper presents an explorative design for improving indoor exercising experience, through real-time data visualization and social connection in an immersive environment. A prototype was designed and implemented based on the review of related research on cognitive and mental models. Facing existing design challenges, the project aims to find potential opportunities for future indoor exercises, and explore the relationship between the immersive user experience and users’ intention of exercising.