Sonic Cradle: evoking mindfulness through 'immersive' interaction design

The present work introduces a relaxing human-computer interaction paradigm designed to foster meditative attentional patterns. After theoretically situating the project, this thesis develops a framework for media ‘immersion’ to conceptually guide the design of Sonic Cradle: a darkened chamber which suspends individuals in a comfortable hammock while they progressively control sound through their own respiration. Next, 15 co-design sessions are presented along with several resulting tweaks and improvements aimed at balancing users’ perceived sense of control.A mixed methods investigation of the iterated prototype with a purposive sample of 39 participants demonstrates how Sonic Cradle can pleasantly encourage mindful experiences by consistently inducing a calm mental clarity and loss of intention. Surprisingly, participants also reported perceptual illusions, feelings of floating, and emotional responses. Concluding discussions explain how this project breaks new ground toward fulfilling technology’s potential to experientially persuade people to adopt and psychologically benefit from contemplative practices like mindfulness meditation.