Reflective Nature Experiences in Virtual Reality

arXiv:2611.08167v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: This paper presents the design and evaluation of an accessible virtual reality (VR) nature experience developed to promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being. The system immerses users in a calming natural environment through realistic landscapes, ambient soundscapes, guided breathing exercises, and interactive checkpoints that encourage reflection. Accessibility was a central design consideration, particularly for users with diverse physical and sensory abilities or limited access to natural environments and traditional mindfulness resources. A pilot study with 10 participants indicated that the experience could support relaxation and emotional well-being. Participants also reported greater immersion with continuous movement than with teleportation, highlighting the importance of intuitive locomotion in designing inclusive, nature-based VR experiences for mindfulness and stress reduction.