An Interactive Anxiety-relieving Deep-breathing Art Installation Based on Arduino and Processing Programming Language

Abstract

. In recent years, according to a brief released by the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression reached 25% in just the first year of the epidemic. In March 2022, the COVID 19 outbreak suddenly broke out in Shanghai, with a cumulative total of over 200,000 confirmed cases within a month. Difficulties in work and activities due to the epidemic have led to a constant negative psychological state and rising psychological stress [1] . How to relieve stress and maintain a relaxed mood has become a challenge for people. Meanwhile, it’s universally acknowledged that deep breathing in the right way can be effective in relieving stress. This device aims to combine the use of two open-source electronic platforms - Arduino and Processing - to break the traditional way of interaction through programming tools. It translates the data standard into the form of a dynamic art installation by setting the appropriate breathing rate and breathing volume, and uses good visual effects and interactive experience to promote people to participate in the interaction, which guides people to improve their mood and reduce stress while interacting with the art installation through proper breathing.