Personal Dream Informatics: A Self-Information Systems Model of Dream Engagement
M. Hoefer, Bryce E Schumacher, S. Voida
International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems April 29, 2022 DOI: 10.1145/3491102.3517669 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Survey study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 281 |
| Population | Individuals primarily recruited from an online community dedicated to dreaming |
| Key findings | The authors argue that dream tracking functions as a self-information system, and that all such systems are constrained by the 'ephemeral dreamset'—the short period between waking and rapid dream memory loss. They propose a system dynamics model whose feedback loops serve as high-leverage points for designing technology to support dream recall, dream tracking, and dreamwork for nightmare relief and personal development. |
Abstract
We present the research area of personal dream informatics: studying the self-information systems that support dream engagement and communication between the dreaming self and the wakeful self. Through a survey study of 281 individuals primarily recruited from an online community dedicated to dreaming, we develop a dream-information systems view of dreaming and dream tracking as a type of self-information system. While dream-information systems are characterized by diverse tracking processes, motivations, and outcomes, they are universally constrained by the ephemeral dreamset—the short period of time between waking up and rapid memory loss of dream experiences. By developing a system dynamics model of dreaming we highlight feedback loops that serve as high leverage points for technology designers, and suggest a variety of design considerations for crafting technology that best supports dream recall, dream tracking, and dreamwork for nightmare relief and personal development.
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- "Illustration of the subconscious mind": Reinterpreting Dream Material as Artistic Creative Workflows Supported by Generative AI Creativity & Cognition July 13, 2026
- Dasdaq: Reimagining Dreams as Creative Assets in Human–AI Systems CHI Extended Abstracts April 13, 2026
- LuciEntry: Towards Understanding the Design of Lucid Dream Induction Conference on Designing Interactive Systems July 4, 2025
- DreamDirector: Designing a Generative AI System to Aid Therapists in Treating Clients' Nightmares International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces March 24, 2025
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