Researchers at Nagoya University have found that a specific, broadband sound, dubbed "pink noise," can reduce motion sickness symptoms. In a driving simulator experiment, participants exposed to pink noise experienced significantly less severe symptoms compared to those who listened to no sound or white noise. The study suggests that pink noise may suppress the conflict between visual and vestibular sensory information, which is believed to be the primary cause of motion sickness. This discovery could lead to new non-invasive methods for alleviating motion sickness in various situations, such as in vehicles or virtual reality environments.
This blog post explores how video games can induce motion sickness and offers developers practical advice for mitigating it. The author explains how conflicting sensory information between visual motion and the vestibular system creates motion sickness, highlighting common culprits like field of view, camera acceleration, and head bob. The post advocates for robust accessibility options, suggesting features such as adjustable FOV, camera smoothing, disabling head bob, and providing comfort settings presets. By incorporating these considerations, developers can create more inclusive gaming experiences for players susceptible to motion sickness.
HN commenters largely agree that motion sickness in games is a significant accessibility issue, with several sharing personal experiences of being unable to play certain games due to it. Some suggest that developers often prioritize visual fidelity over comfort, neglecting those susceptible to motion sickness. Several commenters offer specific technical suggestions for mitigating the problem, including adjustable FOV, head bob reduction, and implementing "comfort modes" with features like vignette filters. A few mention that the prevalence of first-person perspective in modern games exacerbates the issue and highlight the need for more third-person options or improved camera controls. There's also discussion around the physiological basis of motion sickness and the varying susceptibility among individuals. One commenter suggests that VR sickness and game motion sickness are distinct experiences with different triggers.
Summary of Comments ( 80 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43740021
Hacker News users discuss the study with some skepticism, questioning the small sample size (17 participants) and lack of a placebo control. Several commenters express interest in the potential mechanism, wondering if the sound masks disturbing inner ear signals or if it simply provides a distraction. The specific frequency (100Hz) is noted, with speculation about its potential connection to bodily rhythms. Some users share personal anecdotes of using other sensory inputs like ginger or focusing on the horizon to combat motion sickness, while others mention existing solutions like scopolamine patches and wristbands that provide acupressure. A few commenters request more information about the nature of the sound, questioning if it's a pure tone or something more complex. Overall, the comments express a cautious optimism tempered by the need for more rigorous research.
The Hacker News post "A unique sound alleviates motion sickness," linking to a Nagoya University article about using amplitude-modulated white noise to reduce motion sickness, generated a moderate discussion with a few compelling threads.
Several commenters discussed their personal experiences with motion sickness and various remedies they'd tried. One user shared their positive experience with ginger, mentioning it's more effective than Dramamine for them. Another commenter mentioned the effectiveness of scopolamine patches but cautioned about potential side effects like dry mouth. This anecdotal exchange highlighted the varied responses people have to motion sickness treatments and the ongoing search for effective solutions.
A couple of commenters questioned the methodology of the study, particularly the small sample size and the reliance on subjective reporting of nausea. They expressed a desire for more robust research with larger groups and more objective measurements to validate the findings. This skepticism reflects a common sentiment on Hacker News regarding scientific studies, emphasizing the importance of rigorous methodology and replication.
One insightful comment explored the potential connection between motion sickness and the vestibular system, suggesting that the amplitude-modulated white noise might be interfering with conflicting sensory inputs. This comment offered a plausible explanation for the observed effect grounded in physiological principles. Another commenter built on this, speculating that the white noise could be acting as a form of sensory substitution, providing a consistent auditory input to override the confusing signals from the vestibular system.
The discussion also touched upon the potential applications of this technology, with some suggesting its use in virtual reality to mitigate simulator sickness. This highlights the practical implications of the research and its potential to improve user experience in emerging technologies.
Finally, a few commenters expressed interest in trying the method themselves, showcasing the practical nature of the discussion and the desire for accessible solutions to motion sickness. While hopeful, some also acknowledged the need for further research to confirm the initial findings and optimize the application of the amplitude-modulated white noise.