Title: Biophilic design of XR environments 

Abstract: The increasing adoption of immersive technologies is reshaping workplaces by enabling new forms of virtual collaboration. However, this shift raises concerns about worker well-being, aligning with the principles of Industry 5.0. I present this novel research where we promote the use of biophilic design to enhance well-being in XR working environments. It is based on the Biophilia hypothesis, which suggests humans have an inherent connection to nature. Integrating natural elements (such as plants, nature-inspired visuals, and natural sounds) into environments can enhance health, productivity, and overall well-being. I will explain the main steps already accomplished to propose validated guidelines for the Biophilic Design in industrial XR settings, as well as opportunities fornew research.

Speaker: Michele Gattullo, Associate Professor at the Polytechnic University of Bari

Short bio: Prof. Michele Gattullo, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Polytechnic University of Bari, where he works at the intersection of industrial engineering, human-centered design, and Extended Reality. His work explores how Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality can improve industrial processes, training, technical documentation, and digital workplaces. With extensive teaching experience, international collaborations, and a strong record of research leadership, he has become a prominent voice in XR for smart manufacturing and engineering innovation.

(Photo by Dmitry Ganin on Unsplash)