Short answer

Designers should prioritize the integration of biophilic elements, especially edible plants, into confined spaces to actively enhance user well-being and cognitive performance.

Field: User-Centred Design
Source: Frontiers in Physiology (2025)
Method: Systematic Review
Sample: 124 studies
Evidence: Strong effect

Incorporating plants, light, and natural elements into confined environments significantly improves psychological resilience, mood, and cognitive function by leveraging innate human connections to nature. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in Frontiers in Physiology. Using Systematic review with 124 studies, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should prioritize the integration of biophilic elements, especially edible plants, into confined spaces to actively enhance user well-being and cognitive performance.

Study

User-Centred DesignNew This WeekStrong effect

Biophilic design with edible plants enhances psychological well-being and cognitive function in confined spaces

Frontiers in Physiology · 2025

Key Findings

01Greenery in confined settings reduces stress and improves mood.
02Biophilic interventions accelerate recovery.
03Plant-based modules in space analogs support cognitive function.
04Edible plants improve habitat experience by producing food and oxygen.
05Biophilic systems enhance psychological resilience and foster a sense of connectedness to nature.

Application

Design takeaway

Designers should prioritize the integration of biophilic elements, especially edible plants, into confined spaces to actively enhance user well-being and cognitive performance.

How to apply

When designing any enclosed space, especially those intended for long-term occupation or care, consider incorporating living plants, natural light, and organic forms to promote psychological and physiological health.

Project actions

01When researching user needs, consider the psychological benefits of natural elements.
02Explore how incorporating living systems can enhance the user experience in your design project.

Method & Evidence

AimWhat are the health outcomes associated with biophilic interventions incorporating plants, light, and natural elements in confined settings?

MethodSystematic Review

ProcedureA systematic review was conducted by analyzing 124 studies from PubMed and Scopus, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, to assess health outcomes related to edible greens and biophilic elements in confined environments.

Sample124 studies

ContextConfined environments (hospitals, eldercare, space habitats, space analogs)

Variables

IVPresence and type of biophilic interventions (plants, light, natural elements).

DVHealth outcomes (stress levels, mood, cognitive function, recovery rate).

CVType of confined setting, duration of exposure, user demographics.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Comprehensive systematic review covering a broad range of studies.
+Inclusion of both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments provides diverse insights.

Limitations

The effectiveness of biophilic interventions can be influenced by the specific type of plant, the amount of light, and the cultural background of the users.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the findings is strengthened by the systematic review methodology, which aggregates data from multiple studies. Validity is supported by the consistency of positive health outcomes across diverse contexts and intervention types.

Think critically

To what extent can the benefits of biophilic design be replicated in highly controlled or artificial environments, and what are the ethical considerations of relying on nature for therapeutic benefits?

Design Principles

"Human connection to nature is a fundamental need that can be actively supported through design interventions in built environments."

This research highlights the profound impact of biophilic design on human health and performance, particularly in environments where natural stimuli are scarce. Designers can leverage these findings to create more supportive and restorative spaces, improving user experience and overall well-being.

What This Means for Your Design

Putting plants and natural things in places where people are stuck inside, like hospitals or even spaceships, makes them feel better, less stressed, and think more clearly.

How to use in your project

1.Use this research to justify the inclusion of biophilic elements in your design proposal, linking them to improved user well-being and performance.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This design project incorporates biophilic design principles, drawing on research that demonstrates the significant positive impact of natural elements on user well-being. Studies indicate that incorporating plants and natural light into confined settings can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function, as evidenced by systematic reviews of interventions in environments ranging from hospitals to space habitats. Therefore, the inclusion of living greenery and optimized natural light sources in the proposed design aims to create a more restorative and supportive environment for its users.

Source

Frontiers in Physiology

Health effects of plants, light, and natural elements of biophilic interventions in confined settings: a systematic review

journal · 2025

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about biophilic design with edible plants enhances psychological well-being and cognitive function in confined spaces?: Designers should prioritize the integration of biophilic elements, especially edible plants, into confined spaces to actively enhance user well-being and cognitive performance. Evidence: Frontiers in Physiology (2025).
Why does "Biophilic design with edible plants enhances psychological well-being and cognitive function in confined spaces" matter for design?: This research highlights the profound impact of biophilic design on human health and performance, particularly in environments where natural stimuli are scarce. Designers can leverage these findings to create more supportive and restorative spaces, improving user experience and overall well-being.
How can designers apply this research?: Designers should prioritize the integration of biophilic elements, especially edible plants, into confined spaces to actively enhance user well-being and cognitive performance.
What were the main findings?: Greenery in confined settings reduces stress and improves mood.. Biophilic interventions accelerate recovery.. Plant-based modules in space analogs support cognitive function.. Edible plants improve habitat experience by producing food and oxygen.
What research method was used?: Systematic Review with 124 studies.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2025 journal from Frontiers in Physiology.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing any enclosed space, especially those intended for long-term occupation or care, consider incorporating living plants, natural light, and organic forms to promote psychological and physiological health.
What are the limitations?: Challenges such as infection control, spatial constraints, and operational limitations can hinder the adoption of biophilic interventions.