When Lights Can Breathe: Investigating the Influences of Breathing Lights on Users’ Emotion

Light can significantly influence users’ physiological and behavioural performance. However, how light breathing influences users’ mood regulation remains unknown. To fill this gap, this study conducted a 2-by-2 experiment (N = 20) with light breathing as the between-subject factor and light condition as the within-subject factor. Both physiological indicators and subjective indicators are measured to reflect mood regulation. The data were analysed using a generalised linear mixed model. The results showed that breathing lights are effective in regulating users’ moods. More specifically, breathing lights help users lower their electrodermal values and heart rates. Users did not report any significant difference in terms of subjective measures, which suggest that the influence of a breathing light happens unconsciously. Furthermore, this effect is significant for both cold and warm colour temperatures. Designers and engineers can use the research findings to manage user emotion when necessary.