Short answer
When designing public spaces or urban environments, consider that dense tree cover or manicured lawns at eye level might not always encourage physical activity; incorporating more varied or 'wilder' greenspaces could be more effective.
- Field
- Human Factors
- Source
- International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2025)
- Method
- Prospective cohort study with GPS and wearable sensor data
- Sample
- 304,394 observations from 39.4 years old participants
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Contrary to expectations, increased exposure to street-level views of trees and grass was associated with a decrease in measured physical activity, suggesting that the immediate visual environment can influence behavior. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Using Prospective cohort study with gps and wearable sensor data with 304,394 observations from 39.4 years old participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing public spaces or urban environments, consider that dense tree cover or manicured lawns at eye level might not always encourage physical activity; incorporating more varied or 'wilder' greenspaces could be more effective.
Ground-level greenspace views correlate with reduced physical activity
Contrary to expectations, increased exposure to street-level views of trees and grass was associated with a decrease in measured physical activity, suggesting that the immediate visual environment can influence behavior.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · 2025
Key Findings
- 01An increase in street-view trees was associated with a decrease in steps per minute.
- 02An increase in street-view grass was associated with a decrease in steps per minute, with a non-linear effect.
- 03An increase in street-view 'other greenspace' (flowers, plants, fields) was associated with an increase in steps per minute.
- 04Associations varied by season, neighborhood walkability, socioeconomic status, and geographic region.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing public spaces or urban environments, consider that dense tree cover or manicured lawns at eye level might not always encourage physical activity; incorporating more varied or 'wilder' greenspaces could be more effective.
How to apply
When designing parks, streetscapes, or residential areas, consider incorporating a variety of greenspace types and observe user activity patterns to inform design decisions.
Project actions
- 01When researching user behavior in relation to their environment, use objective measures of activity (like wearables) alongside environmental assessments.
- 02Consider how different visual elements of an environment might be perceived and how that perception could influence behavior.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Objective measurement of physical activity using wearables.
- +Large sample size and multiple measurement periods.
- +Detailed assessment of street-level greenspace using advanced algorithms.
Limitations
The study's findings might not apply to all demographics or cultural contexts. The specific types of 'other greenspace' were not detailed, making it hard to replicate.
Reliability & validity
The use of objective measures (GPS, wearables) and advanced image analysis techniques enhances the reliability and validity of the findings. However, the subjective perception of greenspace and the underlying reasons for behavioral changes are not directly measured, which could affect construct validity.
Think critically
If more visible greenery is generally considered beneficial for well-being, why might it be associated with *less* physical activity in this context? What other factors might be at play?
Design Principles
"Environmental design elements should be evaluated for their actual impact on user behavior, not just their aesthetic or assumed functional benefits."
This finding challenges the common assumption that more visible greenery automatically leads to more physical activity. It highlights the nuanced relationship between environmental design and human behavior, emphasizing that the *type* and *perception* of greenspace, not just its presence, are critical factors.
What This Means for Your Design
Seeing more trees and grass right in front of you on the street might actually make people walk less, while seeing other kinds of plants and flowers might make them walk more.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this study to justify investigating the impact of specific visual design elements on user behavior in your own design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates that the visual characteristics of greenspace can influence physical activity. A study by Li et al. (2025) found that increased street-level exposure to trees and grass was associated with a decrease in measured steps per minute, while 'other greenspace' was associated with an increase. This suggests that designers should carefully consider the specific types of greenery and their visual impact when aiming to promote active lifestyles.
Source
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
GPS-based street-view greenspace exposure and wearable assessed physical activity in a prospective cohort of US women
journal · 2025
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about ground-level greenspace views correlate with reduced physical activity?
- When designing public spaces or urban environments, consider that dense tree cover or manicured lawns at eye level might not always encourage physical activity; incorporating more varied or 'wilder' greenspaces could be more effective. Evidence: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2025).
- Why does "Ground-level greenspace views correlate with reduced physical activity" matter for design?
- This finding challenges the common assumption that more visible greenery automatically leads to more physical activity. It highlights the nuanced relationship between environmental design and human behavior, emphasizing that the *type* and *perception* of greenspace, not just its presence, are critical factors.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing public spaces or urban environments, consider that dense tree cover or manicured lawns at eye level might not always encourage physical activity; incorporating more varied or 'wilder' greenspaces could be more effective.
- What were the main findings?
- An increase in street-view trees was associated with a decrease in steps per minute.. An increase in street-view grass was associated with a decrease in steps per minute, with a non-linear effect.. An increase in street-view 'other greenspace' (flowers, plants, fields) was associated with an increase in steps per minute.. Associations varied by season, neighborhood walkability, socioeconomic status, and geographic region.
- What research method was used?
- Prospective cohort study with GPS and wearable sensor data with 304,394 observations from 39.4 years old participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2025 journal from International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing parks, streetscapes, or residential areas, consider incorporating a variety of greenspace types and observe user activity patterns to inform design decisions.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused on momentary exposures and did not capture long-term effects. The definition of 'other greenspace' was broad. The study did not explore the reasons *why* people were less active in certain greenspaces.