Research project
This interactive meditation installation developed at EPFL+ECAL Lab investigates how to create a supportive meditation environment through human-computer interaction. The project is a partnership with the Ming Shan secular Taoist center in the Swiss canton of Vaud, a place of well-being and energetic practice linking Western modernity with Eastern traditions. A research methodology including field observation, prototype iteration and user tests lead to the creation of a multimodal biofeedback installation.
See TV (RTS) program (8th min)
Multimodal biofeedback installation
The system takes advantage of physiological parameters do generate various feedback loop. Colours produced by the light ring evolve over the meditation phases, and physiological information from sensors generates additional visual and acoustic feedback. The project is looking for more than just individual well-being : the system is designed to induce a group impact. If light provides personal feedback, sound emitted from the different decks combine their vibration to produce a common and global sound inspired by the tones of meditation bowls. To monitor the impact on participants the system display on the main wall real-time visualisation of the physiological data.
Credits
Partners
Ming Shan Taoist Center
CSEM, Signal Processing & Control Systems Group
ASPG EPFL
Photography
Daniela & Tonatiuh
Awards & Publications
Hochparterre
2019, Nominated in the Design category
Wall paper magazine
November 2019
Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards
2020, Finalist in the Wellness category