This study explores the use of voice-based virtual assistants (VAs) in assisting people with mindfulness meditation. To address the issue of fixed location embodiment of VAs in smart speakers, smartphones and smart environments not providing intuitive support, the researchers developed a novel embodiment called the "wandering voice," which is co-located with the user and moves along with the meditation task. They created a multi-speaker VA embedded in a yoga mat that changes its location according to the meditation experience. To evaluate the effectiveness of this wandering VA embodiment, a qualitative user study was conducted involving twelve participants. The study compared the experience of using a typical fixed smart speaker to that of using the wandering VA embodied in the yoga mat. Thick descriptions from interviews with participants revealed both immersion and dis-immersion experiences during meditation sessions. The findings of this study provide design implications for "wandering voices" and propose a new paradigm for VA embodiment that can be extended to guidance tasks in various contexts. The research paper is published as an extended abstract at the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA '23).
- Study explores use of voice-based virtual assistants (VAs) in mindfulness meditation
- Researchers developed "wandering voice" embodiment to address fixed location issue
- Multi-speaker VA embedded in yoga mat changes location based on meditation experience
- Qualitative user study conducted with twelve participants comparing fixed smart speaker to wandering VA embodied in yoga mat
- Thick descriptions from interviews revealed immersion and dis-immersion experiences during meditation sessions
- Findings provide design implications for "wandering voices" and propose new paradigm for VA embodiment
- Research paper published as extended abstract at 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA '23)
A study was done to see if voice-based virtual assistants (VAs) can be used in meditation. The researchers created a special kind of VA that can move around instead of staying in one place. They put this VA inside a yoga mat so it can change its location based on the meditation experience. They did a study with twelve people comparing the moving VA to a regular smart speaker. The interviews showed that people felt really involved or not very involved during their meditation sessions. The findings suggest new ideas for designing VAs and were published in a research paper at a conference."
Definitions- Voice-based virtual assistants (VAs): Computer programs that you can talk to and ask questions, like Siri or Alexa.
- Mindfulness meditation: A way of focusing your mind and being aware of the present moment.
- Embodiment: Giving something a physical form or presence.
- Qualitative user study: A research project where people are asked questions about their experiences and opinions.
- Smart speaker: A device that can play music, answer questions, and do other things when you talk to it.
- Immersion: Feeling completely involved in something.
- Dis-immersion: Not feeling very involved or connected to something.
Exploring the Use of Voice-Based Virtual Assistants in Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is an increasingly popular practice for its many mental and physical health benefits. As technology advances, voice-based virtual assistants (VAs) have become a valuable tool to help people with their mindfulness meditation practices. However, the fixed location embodiment of VAs in smart speakers, smartphones and smart environments does not provide intuitive support for users during their meditations. To address this issue, researchers at the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA '23) developed a novel embodiment called the "wandering voice" that moves along with the user's meditation task and is co-located with them.
The Wandering Voice Embodiment
To evaluate the effectiveness of this wandering VA embodiment, researchers created a multi-speaker VA embedded in a yoga mat that changes its location according to the meditation experience. The yoga mat was equipped with multiple speakers located around it so that sound could be heard from different directions as if it were coming from all sides of the room. This allowed users to feel as though they were surrounded by sound rather than just hearing it from one direction or source.
User Study Results
A qualitative user study was conducted involving twelve participants who compared their experiences using a typical fixed smart speaker to those using the wandering VA embodied in the yoga mat during various mindfulness meditations tasks. Thick descriptions from interviews revealed both immersion and dis-immersion experiences during these sessions. Participants reported feeling more connected to their environment when using the wandering VA due to its ability to move along with them throughout their meditation journey, providing more natural guidance than what can be achieved through traditional fixed VAs such as those found on smart speakers or smartphones.
Design Implications & Conclusion
The findings of this study provide design implications for “wandering voices” and propose a new paradigm for VA embodiment that can be extended to guidance tasks in various contexts beyond mindfulness meditation practices alone. By creating an immersive experience through movement and sound, users are able to feel more connected to their environment while engaging in mindful activities such as yoga or other forms of exercise where having access to audio guidance may prove beneficial. With further research into how best utilize this type of technology within different contexts, we may soon see widespread use of “wandering voices” across many industries and applications beyond just mindfulness mediation practices alone!
