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Monash University human-computer interaction researchers have developed a playful water-inspired extended reality system using floatation tanks to help reduce aquaphobia.

The study, published as part of the Proceedings of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems this year, was led by researchers from the Faculty of Information Technology's Exertion Games Lab.

The research combined a water-based virtual reality (VR) landscape with the controlled environment of a water-filled floatation tank to help participants overcome the fear of water. The results showed participants experienced less anxiety regarding water while experiencing the extended reality system.

The experience involves floating in a tank while a VR headset delivers a virtual auditory and visual environment. The participant's heart rate (measured using a sensor), breathing (sensed via the headset's microphone), and slight head movements (sensed via the headset) control interactions within the virtual environment.

The lead author of the research paper, human-computer interaction researcher Ph.D. Candidate Maria Montoya, said people who fear being in water are often unable to enjoy recreational activities in water and can even develop a fear of drowning.

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