Hokusai’s Woodcut-Inspired Immersive Art: Studying Immersion Levels and Emotional Impact Across Image, Film and Virtual Reality

The focus of this exploratory study was the design of a 3D location developed for relaxation and popularizing art inspired by the woodcuts of the ukiyo-e master, Katsushika Hokusai. After creating the environment, a panoramic film was produced, serving as the basis for research on the level of immersion in the created location and its impact on the audience. We assessed the immersion and emotional impact levels across three media formats: static images, standard films, and VR experiences. Ten participants, balanced for gender, engaged with each format while their immersion levels and emotional responses were measured. Results indicate that VR might enhance immersion compared to static images and films and evoke positive emotional states.