"Minus x Minus = Plus" is an innovative concept combining EEG biofeedback to visualize and share stress in real-time. Through an artistic installation, this semi-controlled interactive system illustrates how shared stress can be transformed into a positive experience. It builds upon the concept that two negatives give one positive, metaphorically addressing the need to enhance human interactions to reduce stress levels. This work provides the opportunity for participants to visualize, identify, and perceive invisible bio-data: stress levels that hide within the human body and mind. Visualizing bio-signals stimulated audiences to share their experience and fostered awareness of stress sharing and empathy among individuals. Strong empathetic resonance manifested when participants were figuratively projected on the same stage during the sharing experience.

The work addresses the rising stress levels in urban environments from a societal viewpoint. The fast urbanization, demanding work culture, and societal stresses have resulted in increasing concerns over mental health in China. By making stress visible and shareable, our project promotes open dialogue regarding emotional well-being, confronts traditional stigmas associated with mental health, and provides a novel, approach to enhance collective awareness and empathy among humans.
Furthermore, it expands the field of human-machine interaction and incorporates biometric data into daily life. This installation illustrates the growing prevalence of interactive and immersive art in contemporary Chinese art venues, where technology-based works actively involve viewers rather than merely allowing passive observation.

Future Spaces Vision Lab is an interdisciplinary group based in SUSTech School of Design currently focusing on Intangible Human-Environment Interactions and their influence on stress levels, human perceptions, and brain activity.