Integrating Persuasive System Design to improve cognitive absorption in VR meditation : a Design Science Research study

Abstract

This study investigates how Persuasive System Design (PSD) principles can enhance user engagement and cognitive immersion in virtual reality meditation experiences. Addressing a critical gap in current consumer-level mindfulness applications, namely the lack of sustained engagement and interactive motivation, this research integrates PSD features into a prototype VR meditation system and evaluates their impact through a Design Science Research (DSR) methodology. Drawing from Cognitive Absorption (CA) theory, the study assesses how persuasive elements influence users’ deep psychological engagement and perceptions of ease of use and usefulness. The prototype, developed for standalone VR platforms, incorporates nature-inspired environments and culturally nuanced design elements aligned with specific features from the PSD framework. Mixed-method evaluations, including usability testing, structured surveys, and qualitative interviews, revealed that users experienced higher levels of cognitive absorption, particularly, in guided scenarios, with a positive correlation between CA and perceived usability. Though statistical differences across guided and unguided environments were not significant, the results suggest that persuasive features meaningfully contribute to immersive engagement and user satisfaction. The findings advance understanding of how persuasive design and immersive technology can be strategically combined to support mental wellness, offering design implications for more effective and ethically grounded VR meditation tools.