Multisensory narrative interface design: Data-driven self-reflection and mental wellbeing
S.W. Wang · The Design Journal · 2026
OVERVIEWSelf-reflection is increasingly recognized as a critical component of mental health management, supporting emotional awareness and behaviour change. However, existing self-tracking systems often overemphasize quantitative data, which can overwhelm users and limit engagement. This study investigates alternative approaches that integrate physiological data with narrative-driven, multisensory experiences to facilitate more meaningful self-reflection. Through the development of systems such as RainMind and CloudTrip, the study examines how visual and auditory feedback can enhance emotional understanding, lower cognitive load, and promote behaviour change. These findings provide valuable insights for developing more engaging, immersive, and thought-provoking tools for emotional self-reflection, paving the way for future innovations in user-centred mental health system design.