Examining the influence of natural elements in office settings on cognitive function, visual focus, and distraction: A preliminary eye-tracking study conducted in virtual reality
In a recent pilot-study, the effects of greenery elements on individual efficiency and engagement in virtual offices were investigated. The study, which involved 63 participants, compared three virtual office layouts: Indoor Green, Outdoor Green, and Non-Biophilic.
The findings of the study suggest that the presence of greenery in virtual offices can have a positive impact on user performance and cognitive tasks. Lower cognitive loads and more efficient information searching were observed in the presence of greenery elements. Visual attention was also positively influenced by the proximity of users to the greenery element in the virtual office.
However, visual distraction from tasks was negatively influenced by the dimension of the greenery in the virtual office. This indicates that while greenery can enhance focus, excessive amounts may lead to distraction.
The application of eye-tracking-equipped Virtual Reality (VR) devices to evaluate the effect of greenery elements indoors on individuals' efficiency and engagement is limited. Despite this, the study results support the ecological validity of VR in this context. Sense of presence, immersivity, and cybersickness results were comparable across the Indoor Green, Outdoor Green, and Non-Biophilic virtual office layouts, suggesting that the VR environment was effective in simulating real-world conditions.
The human-nature connection is a significant factor in creating comfortable office environments, both physical and virtual. The study's findings could have implications for the design of virtual offices to enhance productivity and user engagement. As more people transition to working remotely, understanding how to create comfortable and efficient virtual workspaces becomes increasingly important.
It's important to note that the name of the research group conducting the pilot study on the effects of green landscape elements indoors on individual efficiency and engagement is not provided. However, the study's findings contribute to the growing body of research on biophilic design and its potential benefits for virtual workspaces.
In conclusion, the presence of greenery in virtual offices can lead to improved performance and enhanced focus. While excessive greenery may lead to distraction, the proximity of users to greenery elements can positively influence visual attention. As more people work remotely, understanding the impact of greenery on productivity and user engagement in virtual offices becomes increasingly important.
