Mahoo: An Emotive Narrative Tool for Weather-Related Emotion Reframing through XR Interaction and Tangible Experience

Mahoo explores the potential of XR technologies as narrative tools to reframe emotional experiences associated with rainy weather. By transforming rain, commonly associated with negative emotions, into an interactive, multisensory landscape, Mahoo invites participants to participate in embodied reinterpretations of climatic affect. Centered around a tangible umbrella interface that evolves into a blooming flower, the project integrates narrative-driven interaction, hybrid physical-virtual choreography, and real-time sensory feedback. Participants collaboratively gather clouds, summon rain, and dance alongside the spirit character, reshaping the emotional meaning of rain through embodied movement and immersive interaction. Presented at an international VR festival with 129 interactive sessions, Mahoo demonstrated significant emotional impact, transforming perceptions of rain from gloom to vitality. This work highlights how participatory XR environments and tangible interfaces can intervene in culturally embedded affective schema, offering new strategies for emotional regulation and everyday sensory reimagination.