Neurophysiological responses to biophilic design: A pilot experiment using VR and EEG

Abstract

This pilot study explores the effects of biophilic design on university students' neurophysiological responses in virtual classrooms through measuring relative alpha and beta power using EEG in two different display conditions: a conventional computer display and an immersive VR Head-Mounted Display. Seventeen male undergraduate students in their twenties in South Korea participated. Seven different biophilic design cases were presented as visual stimuli to participants in the two different conditions. Results of ANOVA analysis revealed significant main effects of condition and hemisphere in the relative alpha power. Results revealed there is significant interaction effect between case and major as well as between condition, case, hemisphere, and major in relative beta power. This study has the potential to contribute to building evidence-based design strategies for improving biophilic design environments.