An emerging paradigm in human-computer interaction addresses systems that bidirectionally sense and influence internal physiological states (cardiac rhythms, respiratory patterns, metabolic activity, and gastric function). Unlike traditional interfaces that respond to voluntary user actions, these interoceptive systems engage with signals users often cannot directly perceive or control. They create closed-loop interactions between computer systems and inbody states. Such systems can modulate autonomic responses, guide breathing patterns, or influence metabolic states through coordinated sensory stimulation. Their applications range from stress management to emotion regulation.

While recent research demonstrates technical feasibility across individual modalities (cardiac biofeedback through haptic stimulation, respiratory guidance through thermal cues, metabolic monitoring through continuous sensing) fundamental questions remain unaddressed: How do we design interaction paradigms for internal states? What computational frameworks enable real-time adaptation of interventions to individual physiological responses? How do we coordinate multiple organ systems within unified interaction architectures? What ethical boundaries govern systems that influence autonomic function?

This Dagstuhl Seminar explores the frontier of inbody interactions, examining the complex computational and design challenges of systems that bidirectionally interface with internal physiological states. Current research across human-computer interaction venues demonstrates an active investigation of these domains, including developments in cardiac biofeedback interfaces, respiratory guidance systems, metabolic sensing and intervention, and haptic displays for interoceptive signals. These computational contributions center on established closed-loop control architectures, adaptation algorithms, and the creation of novel interaction paradigms for involuntary physiological processes.

We bring together researchers from human-computer interaction, affective computing, physiological psychology, biosignal processing, and ethics to develop systematic frameworks for interoceptive manipulation, map the design space for closed-loop internal state interfaces, establish ethical guidelines for bidirectional physiological computing, and examine applications in emotion regulation while preserving user agency and bodily autonomy.

Creative Commons BY 4.0

Suranga Nanayakkara, Kai Kunze, Elizabeth F. Churchill, and Masahiko Inami

This seminar qualifies for Dagstuhl's LZI Junior Researchers program. Schloss Dagstuhl wishes to enable the participation of junior scientists with a specialisation fitting for this Dagstuhl Seminar, even if they are not on the radar of the organizers. Applications by outstanding junior scientists are possible until August 7, 2026.