Generative AI for Wellness Applications via User Generated Immersive Virtual Environments

How can Generative AI empower users to actively shape immersive environments tailored for personal wellness?

We’re excited to announce that Rayna Ney presented her work “Generative AI for Wellness Applications via User Generated Immersive Virtual Environments” at the CHI 2025 workshop on Generative AI and Human-Computer Interaction (GenAICHI 2025).

In her paper, Rayna explores how generative AI can be harnessed by users to design personalized virtual reality spaces aimed at enhancing wellness, relaxation, and mental resilience.

Highlights:
– We implemented a novel VR application that allows for natural speech input for the creation of personalized AI generated 3D environments in the form of skyboxes.
– Qualitative feedback from users reveals an immediate “wow” factor upon viewing what they have created, however, unintended glitches from the AI model can break immersion.
– When user prompts match the anticipated outcomes of the generated 3D environments, personalization is effectively achieved. Our research suggests this alignment significantly enhances the user’s relaxation experience during wellness activities.

Our findings demonstrate that user agency in creating virtual environments significantly enriches their immersive experiences, supporting personalized wellness strategies.

Explore more about our approach and findings here: https://lnkd.in/g8ikdk2d

Discover more about our lab’s projects: https://lnkd.in/eXmfE78U

Special thanks to the GenAICHI organizers and ETH Zürich, D-MTEC ETH Zurich and die Mobiliar for fostering engaging discussions around the future of human-centered generative AI. And thank you to our co-authors Aydin Javadov Melanie Baumgartner Raphaël Weibel Florian Wangenheim and Joseph Ollier.