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Cleo Valentine
Participant Information Sheet
Study Title: Investigating the Impact of Regular High-Contrast Visual Patterns in ArchitecturalDesign on Allostatic Activity using HRV and fNIRS
Name of Researcher: Cleo Valentine
Email Address: crv29@cam.ac.uk
Course Title: PhD in Architecture
Department: Faculty of Architecture
Supervisor: Koen Steemers, Faculty of Architecture (kas11@cam.ac.uk) Project Advisor: Ian Hosking, Department of Engineering (imh29@cam.ac.uk)
Purpose of the Study:
This study examines how visual exposure to architectural design influences human health and well-being by assessing physiological responses.
Why We Are Doing This Study:
Architectural designs in urban settings can impact the comfort and well-being of many individuals. By measuring physiological indicators such as heart rate variability and brain activity, we aim to understand how prolonged visual exposure to different architectural stimuli affects health outcomes.
What is Involved in the Study:
If you agree to participate, you will be involved in the following activities:
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Initial Screening: You will undergo a brief screening to ensure you meet the study criteria.
This will include questions about your health, vision, and any history of conditions like epilepsy. -
Study:
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You will be asked to wear a cap that measures brain activity using functional
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). This cap is non-invasive and will allow us to
monitor changes in blood oxygenation and volume in your brain.
- You will also wear a device on your chest that measures your heart rate and skin conductance, which will help us assess your stress levels using Heart Rate Variability (HRV.
- During the session, you will be shown visual patterns on a computer screen for about 15 minutes. These patterns are similar to those found in architectural designs.
-
You will be asked to wear a cap that measures brain activity using functional
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). This cap is non-invasive and will allow us to
monitor changes in blood oxygenation and volume in your brain.
-
Post-Session Feedback: After the session, you will complete a short survey to provide
feedback on your experience, including any discomfort you may have felt.
Duration:
The entire process, including the screening, session, and feedback, will take approximately 1 hour.
Risks:
While the study involves minimal risk, some participants may experience mild discomfort or visual stress when viewing certain patterns. In rare cases, individuals with photosensitive epilepsy may have a higher risk of seizures. To mitigate this, we will screen for epilepsy and closely monitor all participants during the study. If you experience any discomfort during the session, we will immediately stop the experiment and provide necessary support.
Benefits:
Although there may not be direct benefits to you, your participation will contribute to important research that could influence architectural design practices and improve the well-being of people in urban environments.
Compensation:
You will receive a payment of £10 for your participation in this study.
Confidentiality:
All data collected will be anonymized and stored securely. Your personal information will be kept confidential and will not be linked to the study results. The data may be used in scientific publications, but it will be reported in a way that does not identify you.
Voluntary Participation:
Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You can withdraw from the study at any time without providing a reason and without any penalty.
Who to Contact for More Information:
If you have any questions about the study, please feel free to contact Cleo Valentine at crv29@cam.ac.uk.
Thank You!
We appreciate your consideration of participation in this important study. Your involvement is crucial to advancing our understanding of how architectural design impacts human health.
DOI: 10.1080/17508975.2024.2407319
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