Neuroscience-informed approaches in architectural design: a systematic review of cognitive measures and interactive technologies from an HCI perspective

In recent years, architectural design has incorporated principles from neuroscience to improve human experience in built environments, giving rise to neuroarchitecture as an emerging discipline. Although numerous studies examine cognitive and emotional responses to architectural spaces, the state-of-the-art remains fragmented, particularly regarding how design features shape attention, memory, and spatial orientation. This systematic literature review, conducted in accordance with established systematic literature review guidelines, investigates which neuroscientific approaches, interactive technologies, and cognitive measures have been applied in architectural design, and how these contributions can inform inclusive, evidence-based frameworks for human–space interaction. Automated searches were performed in IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, SpringerLink, and Scopus, complemented by manual searches in high-impact journals and conferences, yielding 1, 426 records. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and validating reviewer consistency with Fleiss' Kappa, 32 primary studies published since 2017 were included. Data extraction followed structured criteria addressing types of spaces, employed technologies, measurement techniques, cognitive variables, disciplinary focus, user groups, and practical applications. Results reveal a predominant focus on urban and educational settings, whereas hospital, residential, and cultural spaces remain underexplored. Commonly used technologies include sensors, spatial computing, and virtual reality. Measurement techniques often combine simulations, questionnaires, and physiological recordings. Regarding cognitive measures, attention, comfort, and welfare were most frequently reported, while memory and spatial orientation were less frequently reported. Despite growing interdisciplinary interest, most studies remain conceptual or methodological, with few empirical validations in real-world contexts and a lack of studies using interactive technologies to integrate behavioral, physiological, and self-reported data. This review synthesizes current knowledge and offers guidance for future innovation toward inclusive, user-centered architectural environments that support cognitive and emotional welfare.