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EEG response and productivity outcome under changing indoor environment
Shuyao Zhang1, Tianyi Ma1, Sophia Zuoqiu1
1Sichuan University-Pittsburgh Institute, Chengdu, China.
Frontiers in Public Health
|March 23, 2026
Summary
Optimizing indoor environments with higher temperatures (23-25°C), lower acoustics (45 dB), and moderate luminescence (700 lx) can significantly boost productivity. These factors, along with individual responses, are key for enhancing human capital and interior design.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) significantly impacts health economics and workplace productivity.
- Understanding the specific effects of temperature, acoustics, and luminescence is crucial for optimizing indoor spaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of temperature, acoustics, and luminescence on productivity-related outcomes.
- To generate real-world evidence on how indoor environmental factors affect objective and subjective productivity measures.
Main Methods:
- Tested two levels each of temperature (15-17°C vs. 23-25°C), acoustics (45 dB vs. 85 dB), and luminescence (300 lx vs. 700 lx).
- Recruited 30 undergraduate students, measuring brain activity (EEG) for Concentration Power Index (CPI) and cognitive response via the Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT).
- Utilized mixed-effects regression analysis to determine the statistical significance of environmental factors on productivity.
Main Results:
- Higher temperatures (23-25°C) and lower acoustics (45 dB) were associated with increased productivity (higher CPI and lower GPT).
- Higher luminescence (700 lx) showed an inverse association with productivity (lower GPT).
- Significant differences in responses were observed between males and females, with specific environmental preferences noted for each gender.
Conclusions:
- An indoor environment with 23-25°C, 45 dB acoustics, and 700 lx luminescence is optimal for young adult productivity.
- The findings provide empirical data to support the optimization of indoor environments for enhanced human productivity.
- This research offers scientific backing for future interior design strategies focused on improving human capital.
