BoREAL - VR Prototype

Urban workers and students experience chronic stress with limited access to restorative natural environments. 68% of surveyed individuals experience stress frequently or constantly, yet current digital wellness solutions rely on passive consumption or over-gamification, failing to provide meaningful stress relief (Ryan & Deci, 2000).

Create an accessible, scientifically validated immersive experience that delivers the stress-reduction benefits of nature exposure without geographical or time constraints.

Applied Kaplan's Attention Restoration Theory through Human-Centered Design methodology, integrating four restoration elements: Being Away, Soft Fascination, Extent, and Compatibility.

Designed gaze-based interactions and environmental responsiveness to maximize user agency while minimizing cognitive load. Implemented binaural audio and spatial design principles to create multisensory restoration.

Following ISO 9241-210 Human-Centered Design standards through multiple prototyping cycles, user feedback integration, and continuous refinement of interaction mechanics.

3-phase testing approach using physiological monitoring, psychological assessments (SAM, PANAS-X, NASA-TLX), and qualitative feedback with 6 participants aged 24-71.

56% improvement in emotional valence (3.2 → 5.0/5)

100% positive emotional outcomes across all participants

0% motion sickness reported across age groups 24-71

89% would recommend the experience to others

Calm: 4.8/5 average (100% scored ≥4)

Relaxed: 4.8/5 average (100% scored ≥4)

Interested: 4.8/5 average (100% scored ≥4)

Negative emotions: Minimal (1.0-1.5/5 range)

Virtual nature environments can effectively restore attention and well-being

User agency through environmental interaction increases therapeutic effectiveness

Fantasy elements enhance rather than diminish restorative experience

Cross-generational appeal demonstrates broad applicability

Established empirically validated framework for therapeutic VR design, with methodology documented for replication and scaling in educational and workplace wellness programs

Empowered Users: Allowing simple interactive choices (e.g., bubble-popping) increases both engagement and effectiveness of digital experiences.

Multi-sensory Coherence: Integrating visuals, sound, and interaction in a balanced way yields measurable restorative effects.

Data-Informed Iteration: Actively combining usability research with physiological and self-report data ensures continual experience improvement and validates design decisions.