International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
September 1, 2026
Anatolii Belousov, Joseph Macey, Mila Bujić et al.
As technologies increasingly converge with users’ psychophysiology and mental states, perception and mind-altering are emerging as plausibly designable components of user experience. This gives rise to emergent phenomena of digitally induced altered states of consciousness (DIAL) that find application not only in therapeutic and mental health contexts but also in communication and leisure....
International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction
July 10, 2026
Terho Ojell-Järventausta, Anatolii Belousov, Mila Bujić et al.
In recent years, practices related to altered states of consciousness (ASC) (e.g., psychedelic experiences) have taken digital forms (e.g., biofeedback and virtual reality). While the amount of research at the intersection of ASC and digital technologies is growing, it remains fragmented across fields. To address this, we conducted a scoping review of 24 empirical or proof-of-concept studies,...
Empirical Studies of the Arts
April 2, 2026
Jurgis Peters, Mila Bujić, Riku Roihankorpi et al.
Previous research has often relied on passive observation of external phenomena when exploring technology-mediated self-transcendent experiences, overlooking co-creative, embodied interactivity. This study addresses this gap by investigating how aesthetic awe can be intentionally designed for using a novel Generative AI enabled interactive installation that augments a participant's...
Virtual Reality
March 14, 2025
Isak de Villiers Bosman, Mila Bujić, L. Cosio et al.
Immersion as an umbrella experience and embodiment are regarded as primary advantages of virtual reality and its capability to lead to other reflective experiences. Beyond the basis of stereoscopic head-mounted displays, however, there is paucity of research on altered ways of experiencing virtual reality with regards to the possibilities afforded by this medium. To address this gap, we explore...
International Conference on Entertainment and Media in the Ubiquitous Era
October 8, 2024
I. D. W. Bosman, Mila Bujić, L. Cosio et al.
Virtual reality is increasingly being explored as a tool for facilitating mindfulness practices, such as through various guided meditation applications currently available. However, it is unclear how the technological affordances of virtual reality align with the goals of mindfulness and how such experiences can be designed to optimally exploit these affordances. We use a guided body-scan...
ACM SIGCHI Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play
October 6, 2023
Anatolii Belousov, Terho Ojell-Järventausta, Mila Bujić et al.
Due to the increasing availability and efficiency of digital technologies humanity has reached a point where digitally altering consciousness might become ubiquitous, echoing in all areas of the functioning of society. In addition to the already familiar functions in terms of conveying information, enabling experiences, and extending our realities, there is an emerging field of...
Behavior and Information Technology
September 21, 2023
M. Salminen, Simo Järvelä, Ilkka Kosunen et al.
ABSTRACT With the advent of consumer-grade electroencephalography (EEG) and virtual reality (VR) devices, the use of human cognitive processes directly as means for user-adapted interaction in immersive virtual environments has become increasingly relevant. In this study (N = 43), we investigate electroencephalography-based neurofeedback interaction in virtual reality (VR). Particularly, we...
November 9, 2022
Sangwon Jung, Oğuz Buruk, Juho Hamari
11 citations
Virtual environments are emerging as a tool for providing psychede-lic experiences due to the increasing interest in altered states of consciousness (ASCs) and the spread of VR headsets. However, the user experience of commercial psychedelic VR applications has not yet been adequately explored in HCI. To fill this gap, we conducted a user experience study of Cosmic Flow, one of the psychedelic...
Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction
October 8, 2022
S. Jung, Oğuz Buruk, Juho Hamari
There has been increasing interest shown in experiences such as lucid dreams, hallucinations, or awe that arise in HCI. Altered States of Consciousness (ASC) is the umbrella term for these experiences, yet it has been subject to fragmented study, and design knowledge to help individuals working on technology-driven ASCs is lacking. This paper investigates HCI studies involving ASC artefacts...