TreeB612: Exploring Interactions for Distant Human–Nature Engagement

Paper Title

TreeB612: Exploring Interactions for Distant Human–Nature Engagement

Publication Info

• Topic area: Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) for remote human–nature engagement
• Keywords: Human–nature interaction, remote engagement, non-audiovisual interface, telepresence, interpretive design, multisensory experience, more-than-human design, nature connectedness, environmental psychology, relational mediators

Background and Problem

• Problem / challenge: Opportunities for human–nature connection are diminishing due to urbanization and indoor lifestyles. Existing remote nature engagement methods rely heavily on visual and auditory media, neglecting multisensory and relational approaches.
• Significance: Nature connection is critical for psychological well-being and environmental conservation. Addressing the disconnect can foster pro-environmental behaviors and improve quality of life, especially for urban dwellers.
• Motivation and related work: Prior work has explored immersive audiovisual experiences and direct nature engagement through digital tools. However, these approaches often oversimplify nature’s richness or risk substituting direct experiences. The potential of non-audiovisual, multisensory interfaces for remote nature engagement remains underexplored.

Solution

• Proposed approach: TreeB612, a non-audiovisual robotic interface enabling one-on-one engagement with a distant tree through physical feedback (movement, light, and color changes).
• Novelty:
  1. A screenless and soundless interface for remote human–nature interaction.
  2. Focus on fostering emotional bonds and relational connections with a specific natural entity.
  3. Introduction of telepresence for a natural entity, bringing nature into everyday indoor spaces.
• Procedure and key techniques:
  • Conducted a survey with 55 participants to identify experiential factors for remote nature engagement.
  • Designed TreeB612 with two components: Tree-Transmitter (TTX) to collect environmental data (wind, sunlight, rain) from a tree, and Tree-Receiver (TRX) to represent this data indoors through physical feedback.
  • Deployed the system for a 7-day study with 10 participants, using diaries and interviews to explore user experiences.

Results

• Concrete findings:
  • Participants’ initial curiosity and unease evolved into coexistence and care for the device.
  • The interface evoked imagination of the chosen tree’s condition, offering moments of connection and respite.
  • Subtle shifts in participants’ attention, attitudes, and behaviors toward nature were observed, including increased visits to their trees and greater appreciation for natural elements like rain.
• Advantage over baselines:
  • Unlike screen- and audio-based systems, TreeB612 encouraged multisensory, interpretive engagement and fostered emotional bonds with a specific tree.
  • The device acted as a relational mediator rather than a substitute for direct nature experiences.
• Experiments / evaluation:
  • Survey: 55 participants; thematic analysis identified three themes: intimate connection with individual entities, immersive multisensory engagement, and nostalgic recollection.
  • Deployment study: 10 participants (ages 19–56) used the device for 7 days, with daily diaries and post-use interviews analyzed thematically.
• Limitations and future work:
  • User experiences depended on prior nature familiarity; those with limited exposure may struggle to form connections.
  • Anthropomorphism risks oversimplifying nature’s agency.
  • Study duration (7 days) and participant demographics (urban, primarily in their 20s) limit generalizability.
  • Future work should explore long-term use, diverse user groups, and alternative natural entities.

Summary

TreeB612 introduces a novel, non-audiovisual interface for remote human–nature engagement, enabling users to connect with a specific tree through physical feedback. A 7-day study demonstrated that the interface fostered emotional bonds, imagination, and subtle behavioral shifts toward nature. By emphasizing relational presence over representation, TreeB612 expands the design space for remote nature engagement in HCI, offering a promising approach for urban dwellers and others with limited access to nature. Future research should address broader contexts and explore long-term impacts.