Learning from neuroscience: integrating users in design processes using brain imaging tools and virtual reality

Historically, the close-knit relationship between design and construction ensured that built architecture harmonised with its local context and users, as it originated from the shared experiences of a community. However, with the establishment of architecture as a discipline taught at universities, users and their needs have been deemphasised in the design process. Addressing the challenges of user-centred design, this paper reports on insights from a five-year research project focused on integrating user experiences during the design process. Specifically, as a review of existing research revealed novel opportunities for empirical research on users’ experiences in designed environments via brain imaging tools, electroencephalography (EEG) in particular, and virtual reality (VR), our research conducted in several phases tested the integration of these technologies. Our research fills a gap, as despite growing interest in employing EEG and VR in architectural research, a comprehensive strategy for their integration into the design process has not been formulated. An initial review of existing design process models, which do not integrate real-time user experience, nevertheless assisted us in identifying potential stages for such integration. Building upon insights from research experiments, we propose a new design process model that builds the foundation for a comprehensive user-centred neuro-architectural design methodology.