Wearable AR for Restorative Breaks: How Interactive Narrative Experiences Support Relaxation for Young Adults

TL;DR

This paper presents a design framework for wearable AR that integrates interactive narrative experiences into digital content to promote relaxation and recovery during breaks for young adults, leveraging seamless guidance, audio transitions, and structured pacing.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel design framework for wearable AR that embeds restorative break activities into media content, enhancing relaxation and engagement during screen breaks.

Findings

AR-based breaks improved relaxation quality

Interactive guidance increased user engagement

Structured pacing facilitated smooth transitions

Abstract

Young adults often take breaks from screen-intensive work by consuming digital content on mobile phones, which undermines rest through visual fatigue and inactivity. We introduce a design framework that embeds light break activities into media content on AR smart glasses, balancing engagement and recovery. The framework employs three strategies: (1) seamlessly guiding users by embedding activity cues aligned with media elements; (2) transitioning to audio-centric formats to reduce visual load while sustaining immersion; and (3) structuring sessions with "rise-peak-closure" pacing for smooth transitions. In a within-subjects study (N = 16) comparing passive viewing, reminder-based breaks, and non-narrative activities, InteractiveBreak instantiated from our framework seamlessly guided activities, sustained engagement, and enhanced break quality. These findings demonstrate wearable AR's potential to support restorative relaxation by transforming breaks into engaging and meaningful experiences.