Designing a smartphone-based VR app for relaxation: a qualitative crossover study
Can a simple smartphone-based virtual reality app effectively support relaxation? This qualitative crossover study examined user experiences with such an app, focusing on what worked and what didn’t from the user’s perspective. The findings offer concrete guidance for developers and clinicians considering low-cost VR tools as a complement to stress management or anxiety treatment.
Abstract
Background
Accumulating evidence supports the use of virtual reality (VR) in mental health care, with one potential application being its use to assist individuals with relaxation exercises. Despite studies finding support for the potential of VR to effectively aid in relaxation, its implementation remains limited outside of specialized clinics. Known barriers are insufficient knowledge regarding VR operation, lack of availability of VR relaxation apps tailored to local health care systems, and cost concerns. Unfortunately, many VR relaxation apps are designed exclusively for stand-alone headsets, limiting accessibility for a broad audience.
Objective
We aimed to design an accessible, smartphone-based VR relaxation app based on user preferences. This paper describes the assessment of 2 stand-alone VR relaxation apps and the resulting smartphone-based VR relaxation app design.
Methods
Overall, 30 participants (n=23, 77 percent women; n=7, 23 percent men) took part in 2 separate VR sessions, assessing 1 of the 2 VR relaxation apps (Flowborne and Calm Place) in each session. After each session, participants were presented with open-ended questions to assess their experiences via a web-based survey tool. Three of the authors analyzed the responses using inductive thematic analysis, a process comprising 6 phases.
Results
Across both the apps, 5 recurring themes and 13 recurring subthemes were identified in the participants’ answers: audio (music and sounds, guidance), visuals (content, realism, variation and dynamics in the environment), features (language, options, feedback and instructions, duration, exercise), implementation (technical aspects, cybersickness, acceptability and usability), and experience. We analyzed the participants’ findings and conducted a literature review, which served as the basis for developing the app. The resulting app is a Dutch-language, smartphone-based VR relaxation app, with customization options including 3 types of relaxation exercises, 2 guiding voices, and 3 different environments.
Conclusions
This study provides insights into key features of VR relaxation apps, which were subsequently used for the development of a novel smartphone-based VR relaxation app. Further research concerning the effectiveness of this app, along with a broader evaluation of the efficacy and user feedback for smartphone-based VR relaxation apps, is needed.
Keywords: virtual reality, smartphone, relaxation, app design, qualitative research, stress management
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Reference
Verstegen, A., Van Daele, T., Bonroy, B., Debard, G., Sels, R., van Loo, M., & Bernaerts, S. (2025). Designing a smartphone-based virtual reality app for relaxation: Qualitative crossover study. JMIR Formative Research, e62663. https://doi.org/10.2196/62663