Design Interactive VR Experience for Human-Nature Connection
(2026) MAMM15 20261Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology
Department of Design Sciences
- Abstract
- This thesis explores how immersive virtual reality can be designed to support emotional engagement, relaxation, and a sense of connection to nature. Based on experience design and gesture interaction theory, this project developed a VR experience titled "Night Journey". In this experience, users can explore a virtual nature and interact with a responsive ecosystem through natural body gestures, without the need for traditional controllers. This research is rooted in the background of increasing alienation between humans and nature in modern society. Unlike simple ecological simulation, this project focuses on the design and implementation of gentle interaction. It employs meaningful gesture interaction and feedback mechanisms, along with a... (More)
- This thesis explores how immersive virtual reality can be designed to support emotional engagement, relaxation, and a sense of connection to nature. Based on experience design and gesture interaction theory, this project developed a VR experience titled "Night Journey". In this experience, users can explore a virtual nature and interact with a responsive ecosystem through natural body gestures, without the need for traditional controllers. This research is rooted in the background of increasing alienation between humans and nature in modern society. Unlike simple ecological simulation, this project focuses on the design and implementation of gentle interaction. It employs meaningful gesture interaction and feedback mechanisms, along with a slower interaction pace and a high degree of freedom. In order to construct a healing digital space, the design uses low brightness settings, particle visual effects, and blue with purple tones. To evaluate the design, a small-scale user evaluation was conducted with ten participants. The results indicated that the design and interaction fostered a sense of calmness and reflective awareness among users, successfully enhancing their emotional resonance with the virtual environment. Yet, the navigation and movement through microgestures presented some initial learning challenges. Overall, this research shows that VR experiences can serve as a bridge between humans and the natural world. It provides a practical reference for designing restorative digital environments and offers new insights into how immersive technology can support psychological well-being and sustainability awareness. (Less)
- Popular Abstract
- This thesis explores how immersive virtual reality can be designed to support emotional engagement, relaxation, and a sense of connection to nature. Based on experience design and gesture interaction theory, this project developed a VR experience titled "Night Journey". In this experience, users can explore a virtual nature and interact with a responsive ecosystem through natural body gestures, without the need for traditional controllers. This research is rooted in the background of increasing alienation between humans and nature in modern society. Unlike simple ecological simulation, this project focuses on the design and implementation of gentle interaction. It employs meaningful gesture interaction and feedback mechanisms, along with a... (More)
- This thesis explores how immersive virtual reality can be designed to support emotional engagement, relaxation, and a sense of connection to nature. Based on experience design and gesture interaction theory, this project developed a VR experience titled "Night Journey". In this experience, users can explore a virtual nature and interact with a responsive ecosystem through natural body gestures, without the need for traditional controllers. This research is rooted in the background of increasing alienation between humans and nature in modern society. Unlike simple ecological simulation, this project focuses on the design and implementation of gentle interaction. It employs meaningful gesture interaction and feedback mechanisms, along with a slower interaction pace and a high degree of freedom. In order to construct a healing digital space, the design uses low brightness settings, particle visual effects, and blue with purple tones. To evaluate the design, a small-scale user evaluation was conducted with ten participants. The results indicated that the design and interaction fostered a sense of calmness and reflective awareness among users, successfully enhancing their emotional resonance with the virtual environment. Yet, the navigation and movement through microgestures presented some initial learning challenges. Overall, this research shows that VR experiences can serve as a bridge between humans and the natural world. It provides a practical reference for designing restorative digital environments and offers new insights into how immersive technology can support psychological well-being and sustainability awareness. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9231479
- author
- Li, Tiantian LU and Wang, Yineng LU
- supervisor
-
- Günter Alce LU
- organization
- course
- MAMM15 20261
- year
- 2026
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Virtual Reality, Gesture Interaction, Experience Design, Psychological Well-being, Human-Nature Connection
- language
- English
- id
- 9231479
- date added to LUP
- 2026-06-08 14:17:50
- date last changed
- 2026-06-08 14:17:50
@misc{9231479,
abstract = {{This thesis explores how immersive virtual reality can be designed to support emotional engagement, relaxation, and a sense of connection to nature. Based on experience design and gesture interaction theory, this project developed a VR experience titled "Night Journey". In this experience, users can explore a virtual nature and interact with a responsive ecosystem through natural body gestures, without the need for traditional controllers. This research is rooted in the background of increasing alienation between humans and nature in modern society. Unlike simple ecological simulation, this project focuses on the design and implementation of gentle interaction. It employs meaningful gesture interaction and feedback mechanisms, along with a slower interaction pace and a high degree of freedom. In order to construct a healing digital space, the design uses low brightness settings, particle visual effects, and blue with purple tones. To evaluate the design, a small-scale user evaluation was conducted with ten participants. The results indicated that the design and interaction fostered a sense of calmness and reflective awareness among users, successfully enhancing their emotional resonance with the virtual environment. Yet, the navigation and movement through microgestures presented some initial learning challenges. Overall, this research shows that VR experiences can serve as a bridge between humans and the natural world. It provides a practical reference for designing restorative digital environments and offers new insights into how immersive technology can support psychological well-being and sustainability awareness.}},
author = {{Li, Tiantian and Wang, Yineng}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Design Interactive VR Experience for Human-Nature Connection}},
year = {{2026}},
}