Designing for the state of flow in immersive digital experiences

Abstract

The popularization of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications gives designers and developers tremendous opportunities to shape the evolution of new interaction paradigms. Current human machine interaction models are built on top of the command and control metaphors dating back to the industrial revolution, where input has to be initiated with user's full conscious thought in a non-parallel and discrete manner. Further, many people experience the adverse side effects of software products that are designed with the goal of increasing engagement. Mental states like email anxiety are driving down the wellness and productivity of the general population, and as VR and AR devices replace our physical spaces with digital experiences, these problems will become far more serious. This thesis explores methodologies for designing to promote the state of Flow through VR and AR experiences that bring interactions with virtual information closer to how humans consciously and subconsciously perceive, process, and interact with the real world. Designing interfaces to promote the state of Flow has several benefits. First, it requires interfaces to respect people's focus, which increases productivity and quality. Second, Flow has been shown to give people a sense of enjoyment, leading people to feel happier and more fulfilled. Drawing on research suggesting that encouraging the characteristic expressions of Flow such as focus and an implemental mindset can help induce the Flow state, the thesis explores techniques VR and AR applications can use to promote the state of Flow and overall wellbeing through the design of their interfaces.