Lucid dreaming is a unique state of consciousness where one is aware of dreaming whilst asleep, which enables people to control their dream content. However, although lucid dreaming allows control of the dream content, lucid dream control is not easy for lucid dreamers. Previous research has proposed several strategies to manipulate lucid dream content, but even with extensive practice, experienced lucid dreamers sometimes still struggle to create their intended results.
We designed DreamCeption, a closed-loop lucid dream mediation system. During lucid dreaming, the system activates external stimuli that relate to the desired dream topic, aiming to help people dream of their desired content.
For example, to help users direct their lucid dream content towards a scuba diving topic, DreamCeption provides blue lights, water-flowing sounds, galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), and haptic feedback with water and bubbles to simulate the ocean diving experience.
Publications
Wang, P., Rajesh, R., Loose, A., Xiang, N., Overdevest, N., Semertzidis, N., Mueller, F. DreamCeption: Towards Understanding the Design of Targeted Lucid Dream Mediation. CHI 2024. Video showcase. ACM. Video.
Acknowledgments
The production of the video could not have been possible without the expertise of Mr. Aleksandar Joseski. We thank Karen Konkoly and Nathan Whitmore for their guidance on lucid dream induction strategies.