HYPNAPOD is an ongoing art and design experiment by art and design collective Unconscious Collective which explores the use of biofeedback generated by the heartbeats of audience members

The aim is to investigate somatic connections between people – how living beings synchronise behaviour through non-verbal biological processes they may not be aware of, such as entrainment.

This is a well-documented, though little understood, mechanism in which both physical and biological oscillatory processes become spontaneously synchronised, e.g. circadian sleep cycles aligning with night and day. In animals, individual biorhythms can also synchronise, including fireflies flashing in unison, and the alignment of menstrual cycles.

To do this, we’ve been experimenting with pulse sensor technology which sonifies the heartbeats of audience members, creating an evolving polyrhythmic soundscape fed back via speakers or headphones.

The idea is that as pulse rates become audible a mutual entrainment phenomenon encourages them towards synchronisation.

We’ve used microprocessors such as Arduinos and Rasperry Pi’s, linked via a wireless network to commercially-available pulse sensors which use both optical and ballistographic measurement techniques.

To explore these questions, we have been conducting an ongoing research project developing an iterative range of cardiophonic 'pods' designed to encourage relaxation and increased awareness of bodily processes and interconnection with others. Hypnapod has now been presented at over 7 art festivals and events to a wide range of people.

Over seven years of observing audience participation (approx 2000 people), a deeper layer of Hypnapod’s impact began to emerge.   Feedback regularly revealed profound experiences - moments of deep rest, emotional release, and unexpected connection.  These responses, and prompts from audience members, led us to explore its potential in health and wellbeing spaces.

Hypnapod has welcomed a diverse range of participants - from newborns to the elderly, families, groups of teenage girls, and those with limited mobility.    An array of synchronisation (entrainment) occured with different groups, with some of the strongest emotional responses coming from unexpected groups of people such as grown men from young adults to the very elderly.

We discovered a few things along the way.

Addressing Loneliness & Disconnection

Loneliness is a growing public health concern, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and mental health struggles. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable, with social disconnection linked to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Hypnapod fosters connection in a non-verbal, immersive way (phone-free).  Groups, particularly young people, have been observed synchronizing (entraining) within the pods - with fear of judgment dissolving in the shared and private experience.

Therapeutic Experiences

The health and well-being industries are expanding rapidly, with increasing demand for therapeutic experiences that promote mental and emotional balance. At the same time, participation in the arts has been shown to enhance well-being and community cohesion. Hypnapod sits at this intersection, integrating biofeedback technology with participatory art to create a unique, restorative experience.

The Rest & Sleep Crisis

Sleep deprivation is a global issue, with nearly 35% of adults not getting enough rest and insomnia costing the economy billions. Hypnapod offers a space to surrender - participants are gently suspended in an ergonomic, womb-like posture, evoking a deep sense of safety and calm.   As one elderly visitor expressed, “I would like  to die in this”  (we think he was deadly serious).

By tapping into something primal - rest, connection, and the simple rhythm of shared heartbeats - Hypnapod provides an experience that is both grounding, safe and transformative.

The need for quiet

Quiet Rooms and Sensory Spaces cater to the increasing number of those of us needing low-level stimulation, or breaks from stimulation. Hypnapod offers a calm, internal, private space in which to recoup one’s thoughts and energy.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, and is supported through Arts Tasmania by the Minister for the Arts, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, Detached Cultural Organisation and MPavilion through the Naomi Milgrim Foundation.