Uplifting Moods: Augmented Reality-based Gamified Mood Intervention app with Attention Bias Modification

Attention Bias Modification (ABM) is a cost-effective emotional intervention that has the potential to be used in daily settings beyond clinical environments. However, its interactivity and user engagement are known to be limited and underexplored. Here, we propose Uplifting Moods, a novel mood intervention app that combines gamified ABM and augmented reality (AR) to address the limitation associated with the repetitive nature of ABM. By harnessing the benefits of mobile AR’s low-cost, portable and accessible characteristics, this approach is to help users easily take part in ABM, positively shifting one’s emotion. Throughout quantitative and qualitative data analysis in a study with 24 participants, we report that the approach uniquely adds fun, exploring, and challenging features helping improve engagement and moods. It also highlights the importance of personalisation and consideration of gaming style, music preference and socialisation in designing a daily AR ABM game as an effective mental wellbeing intervention.