Short answer

When designing for immersive work, focus on creating environments that are not only functional but also supportive of user well-being, safety, and physical comfort.

Field
Human Factors
Source
i-com (2025)
Method
Scoping Review
Evidence
Moderate effect

The integration of immersive technologies like AR, VR, and MR into the workplace can positively impact the Quality of Working Life (QWL) by addressing mental health, safety, and ergonomic considerations. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in i-com. Using Scoping review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for immersive work, focus on creating environments that are not only functional but also supportive of user well-being, safety, and physical comfort.

Study
Human FactorsNew This WeekModerate effect

Immersive Work Environments Enhance Quality of Working Life Through Improved Ergonomics, Mental Well-being, and Safety

The integration of immersive technologies like AR, VR, and MR into the workplace can positively impact the Quality of Working Life (QWL) by addressing mental health, safety, and ergonomic considerations.

i-com · 2025

01

Key Findings

  • 01Immersive environments positively influence mental health by potentially reducing stress and enhancing well-being.
  • 02These technologies can improve safety and prevention by mitigating risks and preventing accidents.
  • 03Workplace design benefits from improved ergonomics within immersive settings.
02

Application

Design takeaway

When designing for immersive work, focus on creating environments that are not only functional but also supportive of user well-being, safety, and physical comfort.

How to apply

When developing AR/VR applications for professional use, conduct user testing specifically focused on ergonomic comfort, perceived stress levels, and safety during task completion.

Project actions

  • 01When researching immersive technologies, always consider the user's physical and mental state.
  • 02If your design project involves VR/AR, include measures for ergonomic assessment and user well-being.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo understand how immersive work environments influence the Quality of Working Life (QWL).
MethodScoping Review
ProcedureA scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O’Malley framework, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, to identify and synthesize research on the effects of immersive environments on QWL.
ContextFuture of work, immersive environments (AR, VR, MR, Metaverses)

Variables

IVImmersive environments (AR, VR, MR)
DVQuality of Working Life (Mental Health, Safety & Prevention, Workplace Design/Ergonomics)
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Comprehensive scoping review methodology.
  • +Identifies key areas of impact on QWL.

Limitations

The findings are based on a review, not direct experimentation, and focus on short-term effects.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the findings depends on the quality and consistency of the studies included in the scoping review. Validity is supported by the systematic review methodology.

Think critically

How might the long-term effects of prolonged immersion in virtual environments differ from the short-term benefits identified, and what design strategies could mitigate potential negative consequences?

05

Design Principles

"Design immersive work experiences with a holistic approach to Quality of Working Life, encompassing mental, physical, and safety aspects."

As design projects increasingly explore virtual and augmented spaces for work, understanding the human factors involved is crucial. This research highlights how these environments can be designed to not only improve efficiency but also to foster a healthier and safer working experience for users.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Using VR or AR at work can make people feel better, safer, and more comfortable physically, which improves their overall job satisfaction.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this study when discussing the human factors considerations for your chosen design solution, particularly if it involves immersive technologies.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights that immersive environments, such as those utilizing AR and VR, can significantly enhance the Quality of Working Life by positively impacting user mental health, improving safety and accident prevention, and offering better ergonomic solutions. Therefore, any design project incorporating these technologies should prioritize these human factors to ensure a beneficial user experience.

09

Source

i-com

Towards future of work in immersive environments and its impact on the Quality of Working Life: a scoping review

journal · 2025

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about immersive work environments enhance quality of working life through improved ergonomics, mental well-being, and safety?
When designing for immersive work, focus on creating environments that are not only functional but also supportive of user well-being, safety, and physical comfort. Evidence: i-com (2025).
Why does "Immersive Work Environments Enhance Quality of Working Life Through Improved Ergonomics, Mental Well-being, and Safety" matter for design?
As design projects increasingly explore virtual and augmented spaces for work, understanding the human factors involved is crucial. This research highlights how these environments can be designed to not only improve efficiency but also to foster a healthier and safer working experience for users.
How can designers apply this research?
When designing for immersive work, focus on creating environments that are not only functional but also supportive of user well-being, safety, and physical comfort.
What were the main findings?
Immersive environments positively influence mental health by potentially reducing stress and enhancing well-being.. These technologies can improve safety and prevention by mitigating risks and preventing accidents.. Workplace design benefits from improved ergonomics within immersive settings.
What research method was used?
Scoping Review.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2025 journal from i-com.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When developing AR/VR applications for professional use, conduct user testing specifically focused on ergonomic comfort, perceived stress levels, and safety during task completion.
What are the limitations?
The review primarily considered short-term effects; long-term impacts of immersive environments on QWL require further investigation.