Design Characteristics and Proposals for VR Meditation in Depression Supportive Therapy

2-1 Definition and Classification of Meditation

Meditation is a form of psychological practice that employs specific mental techniques or training methods to achieve focused attention, emotional regulation, and heightened awareness of consciousness. It originated in Eastern religious and philosophical traditions, particularly within Buddhism and Hinduism, where it has a long historical foundation. With the development of modern psychology and neuroscience, meditation has gradually been incorporated into mainstream Western mental health interventions and is now regarded as an important tool for enhancing psychological resilience, reducing stress, and improving emotional disorders.

Based on differences in practice goals and methods, meditation can be broadly classified into four categories: Focused Attention Meditation (FAM), Open Monitoring Meditation (OMM), Mindfulness Meditation, and Loving-Kindness Meditation (LKM). Table 1 presents a comparative overview of these meditation types in terms of their core characteristics, practice methods, main effects, and target populations.

Table 1.

Comparison of common types of meditation

Based on the comparison presented in Table 1, in combination with evidence from clinical practice, mindfulness meditation and loving-kindness meditation are most commonly employed in the supportive treatment of psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety.

2-2 Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Depression

In recent years, mindfulness meditation has been widely applied in the supportive treatment of depression due to its positive effects on cognitive processes and emotional regulation. By enhancing individuals’ awareness and acceptance of negative emotions, mindfulness meditation reduces emotional avoidance and suppression, thereby strengthening emotional regulation capacities. Mindfulness practice also promotes cognitive decentering, enabling individuals to observe their thoughts and emotions from a detached, observer perspective. This process weakens the impact of negative automatic thoughts on emotional states. In addition, mindfulness meditation improves attentional control, helping individuals with depression reduce ruminative thinking and increase engagement with present-moment experiences. Neuroscientific evidence further supports these effects. A study by Chuan-Chih Yang et al. demonstrated that mindfulness meditation practice can alter the structure and functional activity of brain regions associated with emotional regulation[3], indicating experience-dependent neural plasticity that facilitates emotional self-regulation .

Mindfulness-based interventions, such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), have been empirically validated as effective approaches for reducing depressive relapse and improving symptoms of mild to moderate depression. A large-scale randomized controlled trial published in The Lancet by Kuyken et al. reported that MBCT was comparable to maintenance antidepressant medication in preventing depressive relapse, while producing fewer adverse side effects[4].

2-3 The Potential of VR as a Medium for Supportive Treatment of Depression

With the advancement of immersive media technologies, virtual reality has increasingly been introduced into the field of mental health and is regarded as a promising medium for supportive treatment of depression. Compared with traditional two-dimensional audio or video formats, VR provides immersive spatial environments, integrated audiovisual stimulation, and interactive experiences, thereby offering users a stronger sense of presence during meditation practices. These features may enhance emotional engagement and psychological immersion, which are critical for effective emotional regulation.

However, existing VR meditation applications vary considerably in terms of scene design, sensory stimulation, and interaction mechanisms. Such differences may directly influence users’ emotional experiences and levels of psychological comfort. Therefore, the following section examines commercially available VR meditation applications as research cases, analyzing their content composition and expressive characteristics. Through this analysis, key VR meditation content features suitable for the supportive treatment of depression are identified.

3-1 Tripp

TRIPP is a VR meditation application that emphasizes emotional awareness and immersive experience. Its content design is characterized primarily by abstract visual representations and rhythm-based sensory stimulation. Unlike traditional meditation applications that rely on realistic natural environments, TRIPP constructs non-representational spaces using geometric forms, flowing particles, and dynamic lighting effects, as illustrated in Fig. 1. By minimizing concrete references to the real world, the application guides users to shift their attention toward breathing, emotional states, and internal sensations.

Fig. 1.

Interface of the TRIPP application

In terms of color and lighting design, TRIPP predominantly employs gradient color schemes and low-contrast visual compositions. Gradual and continuous color transitions are used to create a stable and sustained visual experience, thereby avoiding excessive stimulation that could impose emotional or cognitive burden on users. The auditory design is closely synchronized with the visual rhythm, typically incorporating electronic ambient sounds or rhythmic soundscapes to reinforce attentional focus during meditation.

With regard to interaction design, TRIPP adopts a relatively simplified user operation model. User interactions are mainly limited to experience selection and rhythm activation, thereby minimizing potential disruptions caused by complex interactions during meditation sessions. Notably, TRIPP has recently introduced an AI-based interactive system, Kōkua XR, which functions as a virtual companion providing verbal guidance and conversational feedback. This system emphasizes contextualized and personalized interaction, aiming to enhance users’ sense of immersion and perceived psychological companionship. However, at present, this feature remains an extension of the overall experience, and its effectiveness in the supportive treatment of depression requires further empirical validation.

3-2 Nature Treks VR

Nature Treks VR is a VR meditation and relaxation application centered on immersive natural environment experiences. Its content design relies heavily on realistic representations of natural landscapes, including forests, coastlines, grasslands, and starry skies. By constructing explorable virtual natural spaces, the application offers users an immersive environment that facilitates psychological distancing from everyday stressors.

In terms of visual presentation, Nature Treks VR emphasizes spatial openness and environmental continuity. Soft natural lighting and relatively stable color schemes are employed to create a sense of safety and visual calm. The color palette primarily consists of low-saturation greens, blues, and neutral tones, which contribute to a soothing and non-intrusive visual atmosphere.

The auditory design focuses on natural soundscapes, such as wind, flowing water, and birdsong. Strong rhythmic elements or explicit verbal instructions are generally absent, thereby reducing cognitive load and allowing users to enter a relaxed state through passive sensory perception. Interaction within the environment is relatively free but minimal in intensity. As illustrated in Fig. 2, users can engage in simple movements or adjust their viewing perspective; however, the overall level of interaction remains low to avoid disrupting the relaxation experience.

Fig. 2.

Interface and interaction of the Nature Treks VR application

3-3 Maloka

Maloka is a VR meditation application oriented toward emotional support and psychological companionship. Its content design integrates fantasy-inspired spatial construction with gentle verbal guidance. Unlike the abstract visual expression adopted by TRIPP or the realistic natural environments featured in Nature Treks VR, Maloka constructs softened and symbolic virtual worlds to provide users with emotional reassurance and psychological support.

As illustrated in Fig. 3, Maloka employs soft color palettes and simplified spatial structures in its visual design, thereby avoiding cognitive overload caused by complex environments. The overall visual composition emphasizes a sense of enclosure and approachability, which enhances users’ perceptions of psychological safety. In terms of auditory design, the application combines ambient environmental sounds with verbal guidance, using gentle and non-directive language to help users gradually enter a meditative state.

Fig. 3.

Interface of the Maloka application

Interaction design in Maloka follows a low-burden principle. User operations are primarily limited to experience selection and simple feedback, minimizing frequent decision-making that could interfere with emotional regulation. The content structure is typically presented in a modular format, allowing users to select meditation experiences with different themes or pacing according to their current emotional state.

3-4 Comparison of VR Meditation Applications

Based on the preceding case analyses, this section provides a comparative overview of differences in content design and presentation strategies among VR meditation applications. As summarized in Table 2, three representative applications—TRIPP, Nature Treks VR, and Maloka—are compared across four core dimensions: content focus, scene representation, sensory design characteristics, and interaction methods. By extracting the key features of each application, the diversity of design orientations in current VR meditation content can be more clearly understood.

Table 2.

Comparison of core features of VR meditation applications

As shown in Table 2, although the three VR meditation applications differ in their content emphasis and expressive strategies, they share common design principles, including the reduction of excessive sensory stimulation and the simplification of interaction mechanisms. These differences further suggest that VR meditation content can be developed through multiple design pathways to address the diverse emotional regulation needs encountered in the supportive treatment of depression.

4-1 Scene Content

In VR meditation applications designed for general populations, meditation scenes are commonly based on natural environments or fantastical spaces, with the primary goal of enhancing immersion and novelty. However, research in Restorative Environment Theory[5] and Environmental Psychology[6] suggests that, for emotionally vulnerable populations, environmental stability and predictability are more critical than the intensity of immersion itself.

Individuals with depression often experience persistent negative rumination and reduced psychological energy, making them more susceptible to cognitive and emotional burden when exposed to complex or highly symbolic environments[7]. Under these conditions, VR meditation content that prioritizes heightened immersion or novelty may deviate from the core needs of supportive treatment for depression. Therefore, when designing VR meditation experiences for individuals with depression, greater emphasis should be placed on environmental stability and emotional safety rather than on sensory intensity. Considering the characteristics of depressive symptoms—such as emotional instability and attentional difficulties—VR meditation scenes content for supportive treatment should incorporate several key features. First, scenes should prioritize natural environments with a high degree of realism and clear correspondence to everyday experiences. Second, environmental stability and predictability should be emphasized; thus, spatial structures should be clearly defined and hierarchically simple. Additionally, individuals with depression typically exhibit lower tolerance for unpredictable stimuli. Consequently, scene design should avoid imagery with strong metaphorical meanings or explicit emotional symbolism, thereby facilitating a greater sense of safety and psychological reassurance during virtual experiences.

Specifically, meditation scenes may preferentially adopt realistic natural environments with clearly structured spatial layouts, such as static forest landscapes or calm bodies of water, as illustrated in Fig. 4. The primary design objective of such scenes is to shift the focus from “enhancing immersion intensity” to “supporting environmental stability,” thereby better aligning VR meditation content with the therapeutic needs of individuals with depression.

Fig. 4.

Reference examples of environments in VR meditation

4-2 Visual Presentation

In virtual reality–based interventions, visual color serves not only an aesthetic function but also directly influences users’ emotional states and cognitive load. Previous studies have demonstrated that color can exert subtle yet meaningful effects on individuals with emotional disorders by evoking associations and regulating psychological rhythms. Küller et al. reported that lighting and color conditions significantly affect psychological mood, indicating their potential as indirect intervention factors for emotional regulation[8].

Regarding the relationship between color and emotional responses, Shahidi found that combinations of white with warm lighting or blue with cool lighting produced more favorable effects on visual perception and mood in workplace environments[9]. Similarly, Hettiarachchi demonstrated that green hues were associated with reduced levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among participants[10]. Experimental findings by Valdez further suggested that blue and purple are among the least arousing colors, supporting their suitability for emotionally sensitive populations[11]. Based on these empirical findings, color tones that may be beneficial for supportive treatment of depression can be categorized as shown in Table 3. Accordingly, the use of visual color in VR meditation for depression should prioritize emotional stabilization, reduction of excessive stimulation, and gentle activation of positive affect.

Table 3.

Color tone categories suitable for supportive treatment of depression

It should be noted that visual design for depression-oriented VR meditation should not rely solely on color selection to reduce stimulation. Equally important is the regulation of visual change rhythms and information density. This includes limiting the number of simultaneously moving visual elements, avoiding frequent shifts in lighting or color, and maintaining continuity and predictability in visual transitions. Such strategies help minimize irrelevant stimuli, enabling users to sustain a stable attentional state. This approach aligns closely with the core principle of mindfulness meditation, which emphasizes non-judgmental awareness of present-moment experience[12].

4-3 Audio Design (Background Sound and Guided Voice)

Sound-based therapeutic techniques have been widely applied over recent decades in the treatment of stress-related conditions, including chronic pain syndromes, depression, and anxiety[13]. As sound functions as a key channel for eliciting emotional responses and modulating states of consciousness, it plays a central role in VR meditation experiences. In VR meditation, audio support can be broadly categorized into two components: background soundscapes and guided voice.

4-4 Interaction Design

In VR meditation content, interaction design represents a defining feature that distinguishes it from traditional meditation media. Beyond serving as a technical means of enhancing immersion, interaction functions as an important mechanism for emotional engagement and psychological state regulation. However, clinical psychology research indicates that individuals with depression often experience difficulties in decision initiation and action planning, and excessive interaction options may increase cognitive and emotional burden[16]. From this perspective, interaction systems designed for supportive treatment of depression should prioritize regulatory and supportive functions rather than stimulation or engagement for its own sake. Carefully calibrated interaction can enhance users’ perceived sense of environmental control, thereby fostering the psychological experience of being understood and accepted. This perceived sense of agency and psychological allowance is considered a key pathway for counteracting feelings of helplessness and social isolation commonly associated with depression.

Accordingly, interaction design should be as simple and unobtrusive as possible. Complex gestures, layered menu structures, or interaction sequences requiring sustained attentional effort should be avoided. Importantly, users should be allowed to complete the meditation experience without engaging in any interaction at all, if they choose to do so. Clear and easily accessible mechanisms for pausing and exiting the experience should be provided to enhance psychological safety and perceived controllability. Such an interaction strategy does not diminish user participation; rather, it prevents the meditation experience from being transformed into a task-oriented activity. By reducing performance demands and decision pressure, interaction design can better support emotional regulation and psychological comfort in VR meditation experiences tailored for individuals with depression.