A structured participatory preference-tuning and VR-based framework for age-friendly spatial configuration: quantifying short-term psychophysiological responses and immediate affective states through dynamic virtual environment adaptation.

The global population is aging at an increasing rate, and appropriate environmental design is crucial for the mental well-being of older adults. However, the associations between spatial configuration and psychological well-being in older adults remain insufficiently understood. To this end, a methodology integrating VR with structured participatory preference refinement was hereby proposed to assess the short-term psychophysiological responses and immediate affective states of older adults under simulated spatial configuration changes. Through conducting two semi-structured interviews with 50 elderly individuals, seven key design characteristics were identified, including ceiling height, spatial openness, natural light intensity and indoor noise levels. These insights were then translated into quantifiable experimental variables using empathy mapping and dual-cycle participatory design methodologies. Subsequently, a randomised experiment involving 18 VR scenarios was designed and 40 elderly individuals were selected as participants. Their physiological parameters (skin conductance level and heart rate) and psychological responses (measured using PANAS) were recorded. The results provide preliminary exploratory evidence suggesting associations between natural light intensity, indoor noise levels, spatial openness and older adults' short-term psychophysiological responses. These findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory, due to the non-independence of repeated-measures data and the exploratory nature of the orthogonal screening design. These results align broadly with prior literature, and the primary contribution of this study lies in its integrated methodological workflow. This study identified significant associations between spatial layout and short-term psychophysiological responses as well as immediate affective states in older adults. It supports the feasibility of integrating VR and participatory design, and provides observed associations and plausible interpretations for future age-friendly environment research.