Enhancing Heart Rate Variability and Reducing Stress in Education via Biophilic Design Using VR, Smartwatches, and Questionnaires

Abstract

This study examines the effect of biophilic interior design on human health and well-being within university learning environments, utilizing immersive Virtual Reality (VR) as a testing platform. A total of 50 participants were exposed to simulated biophilic and non-biophilic interior scenes, during which electrodermal activity (EDA) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured to assess physiological responses. Psychological feedback was collected through pre- and post-exposure questionnaires. Results showed that 54% of participants exhibited increased EDA and HRV, 14% showed elevated EDA with stable HRV, while 16% experienced lower EDA levels with higher HRV. These patterns suggest that biophilic elements can foster physiological relaxation and emotional balance, markers of reduced stress and increased parasympathetic activation, compared to non-biophilic spaces. Participant feedback supported these findings, with biophilic scenes associated with enhanced perceptions of relaxation, comfort, and attentiveness. Among the biophilic features tested, the spatial layout feature, visually appealing and aesthetically pleasant environment, produced the most favourable outcomes. The findings suggest that biophilic design strategies can effectively mitigate stress and improve user well-being in educational interiors. The study also highlights the utility of VR as a replicable, non-invasive tool for pre-occupancy evaluation of design interventions. These insights build upon limited but emerging research on biophilic design in higher academic settings, supporting additional research for integrating natural elements to improve health and environmental quality, and encouraging wider sample exploration.