Effects of VR-Simulated Bus Drive Experiences on Physiological Arousal and Perceived Passenger Stress

In a controlled lab-based Virtual Reality (VR) simulation, subjects experienced a bus ride with several different levels of crowdedness. Concurrently, but unbeknownst to the subject, different scents were administered in order to reduce subjective arousal and increase the bus-ride pleasure. Bus rides were recorded and shown to n=61 test subjects in a VR simulation in a controlled lab setting. The simulation used 360 degrees camera footage recorded in half-occupied, occupied, and crowded (all seat taken and people standing) bus ride conditions. Scents (rose, fig, vanilla, orchid) were administered halfway to each subject using a hidden scent device. Their effects on physiological arousal levels and affective responses were recorded using Empatica EmbracePlus wearables (GSR, HR) and a standardized stress questionnaire (SAM) respectively. The test subjects largely did not consciously notice that a scent machine was activated (n=41). If they did notice a change in scent, it was considered pleasant, regardless of the specific scent. Activation of the scent device did not produce lasting physiological change. However, the subjective stress was reduced and with scent present, the bus ride experience led to a more positive feeling, people become calmer and less excited, and people felt more guided and influenced afterwards. In sum, this study demonstrates how multi-sensory bus ride simulations in VR can be established, and sheds light on effects of psychological and physiological effects of bus drive simulation experiences.