The psychophysiological effect of a vibro-kinetic movie experience: The case of the D-BOX movie seat

Abstract

Watching a film in a movie theater can be an immersive experience, but to what extent does the experience differ when the moviegoer is using a vibro-kinetic seat, i.e., a seat providing motion and vibration feedback synchronized with the movie scenes? This paper seeks to measure the effect of a multi-sensory cinema experience from a psychophysiological standpoint. Using electroencephalography, galvanic skin response, heart rate, and facial micro-expression measures, this study compares the difference between two movie viewing experiences, i.e. one without movement and one with artistically enhanced vibro-kinetic feedback. Results of a within-subject experiment suggest that there are significant differences in psychophysiological states of users. Users exhibit more positive emotions, greater arousal, and more cognitive immersion in the vibro-kinetic condition. Therefore, multi-sensory stimulation, in the context of cinema, appears to produce an enhanced experience for spectators.