Back to Vault
UnityBiofeedbackShader GraphVR

BreathSync

A research-backed VR biofeedback experience teaching deep belly breathing to promote mindfulness and reduce stress.

The Challenge

Devising a real-time physiological monitoring method using consumer hardware by strapping a VR controller to the user's belly to track breathing patterns.

The Impact

Won 'Best Research Application' at the 2021 XR Brain Jam for its innovative approach to promoting positive mental health.

Biofeedback Mechanics

The core interaction relies on syncing the user's physiological breathing rate with the virtual environment. As the user performs 'box breathing', the hypoxic technique oxygenates the blood and the environment dynamically responds, revealing new visual layers.

Role & Implementation

Serving as Producer, Developer, and Technical Artist, I managed the multidisciplinary team while directly implementing the controller-tracking math and writing the custom shaders that visualized the breath-state transitions in real-time.