EEG and Sonic Platforms to Enhance Mindfulness Meditation

Interactive artworks can promote mindfulness by using EEG sensors that record the brain's electrical activity to visualize meditation practices. The paper first reviews the historical background of the Electroencephalogram, then discusses the physiological processes of meditation and the clinical history of mindfulness. It examines three interactive installation artworks that employ these technologies and concludes by considering the future of the artworks.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This paper explores interactive applications that encourage mindfulness through sensors and novel input technology. Research in psychology and neuroscience demonstrating the benefits of mindfulness is initiating a new movement in interactive design. As cutting edge technologies become more accessible they are being employed to research and explore the practice of mindfulness. We examine three interactive installation artworks that promote mindfulness. In order to contextualize the interactive artworks discussed we first examine the historical background of the Electroencephalogram (EEG). We then discuss the physiological processes of meditation and the history behind the clinical practice of mindfulness. We show how artists and designers employ EEG sensors, to record the electrical activity of the brain to visualize mindfulness meditation practices. Lastly, we conclude the paper by discussing the future of the three artworks.