"I Feel Myself So Small!": Designing and Evaluating VR Awe Experiences Based on Theories Related to Sublime

TL;DR

This study explores how VR can be designed with sublime and embodied elements to effectively evoke awe experiences, highlighting the impact of sublime features and providing design insights for awe-inspiring VR applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel VR design framework based on sublime and embodiment theories and empirically evaluates their effects on eliciting awe.

Findings

Sublime elements significantly increase awe intensity in VR.

Embodied elements do not significantly enhance awe.

Qualitative insights identify key design features for awe induction.

Abstract

Research suggests the potential of employing VR to elicit awe experiences, thereby promoting well-being. Building upon theories related to the sublime and embodiment, we designed three VR scenes to evaluate the effectiveness of sublime and embodied design elements in invoking awe experiences. We conducted a within-subject study involving 28 young adults who experienced the three VR designs. Results demonstrated that the VR design with sublime elements significantly elicited more intense awe experiences compared to the one without, while adding embodied elements did not enhance the intensity of awe. Qualitative interviews revealed critical design elements (e.g., the obscure event should be reasonable) and their underlying mechanisms (e.g., leading to feelings of enlightenment) in invoking awe experiences. We further discuss considerations and implications for the design of effective awe-inspiring VR applications.