Virtual reality can help some people focus during a guided body-scan meditation by providing audio-visual points of attention, but for others these same features become a source of distraction. The findings highlight both the potential and the pitfalls of using VR for mindfulness and relaxation, and point to the need for further research on interactivity, novelty, self-representation, and whether VR practice transfers to everyday mindfulness.
A scoping review of HCI studies on technology-driven altered states of consciousness (ASC) finds that most research has focused on psychologically induced ASCs, with extended reality (XR) and embodied interaction being common tools. Prospective directions include physical artefact design that incorporates active body movements and game or play approaches. The review identifies four themes: induction methods, experiences through artefacts, types of artefacts, and the technology used. These findings provide design knowledge for researchers and practitioners creating ASC artefacts.