Research by van Oordt, Ouwehand, and Paas confirms that design, particularly when it supports viewing nature, can promote mental refreshment. The investigators report that “According to attention restoration theory observing nature has restorative effects on cognitive components, such as working memory, after a cognitive depleting task. Additionally, urban environments are thought to have no effect or even a negative effect on cognitive restoration.
Neuroscience research makes it clear that our cultures and the languages we speak have powerful effects on our design-based experiences. It also highlights how design can recognize, reflect, and respect user group cultures and languages so people feel more comfortable and achieve objectives they prize.
We all need to sleep; when we don’t sleep well bad things happen inside our heads. Design can make it easier for humans to drift gently off into healthy sleep—and to stay asleep—whether they’re at home, at a hotel, in a hospital bed, or trying to take a nap break at work.
Familiar, predictable design can be best, sometimes. Neuroscience research indicates when that’s the case and useful ways to design for expectations.
When we’re awed our minds do all sorts of great things and both designed and natural objects and spaces can awe humans. How can the forms of things and places generate awe? Why does awe matter? Applying neuroscience research to answer these questions enriches design practice.
Naturalness prevails, again
Multiple benefits of nature sounds
Reactions to art influenced
Preferred sets
Acting like short adults