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Heartscape: Biofeedback through Real-Time Abstract Heart Rate Visualization

Chris Rook, Swaroop Panda*, Dan Hodgson, Anne Fenwick

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

We present Heartscape, a real-time heart coherence visualization system that transforms physiological data into abstract, dynamic shapes using Unreal Engine. Unlike traditional heart rate monitors, Heartscape visualizes heart rate, interbeat intervals, and coherence through the size, color, and movement of circles, creating an esthetically pleasant interface for emotional self-awareness. In our user study, participants reported that Heartscape enhanced focus during wellbeing activities, promoted calmness, and provided insights into their emotional states. There was strong user interest in daily adoption of Heartscape - both personally and for supporting others - which demonstrates how abstract physiological visualizations can make heart coherence data emotionally relevant and practically useful.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-28
Number of pages28
JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction
Early online date15 May 2026
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 15 May 2026

Keywords

  • Biofeedback
  • abstract visualization
  • heart rate coherence

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