Thematic Review of Design Factors and Application Perspectives to Enhance Satisfaction of Smart Indoor Gardens Among the Elderly

Smart indoor gardens (SIGs) represent an emerging innovation in urban agriculture with substantial potential to improve the quality of life for older adults.This thematic review synthesises design factors and application perspectives from twenty-five selected studies to identify strategies that enhance elderly users' satisfaction with SIGs.The analysis yielded five overarching themes: (1) user-centred design and accessibility, (2) multisensory and emotional well-being, (3) technological integration and automation, (4) interaction and community engagement, and (5) sustainability and environmental impact.The findings highlight the critical role of inclusive design, seamless automation, socially oriented approaches, and sustainable practices in developing age-friendly SIG environments.Hydroponicbased indoor gardening offers opportunities to introduce fresh vegetables, herbs, and other plants into living spaces, creating aesthetically pleasing environments while promoting both physical and mental well-being.This is especially valuable for older adults with limited access to outdoor spaces.By integrating innovative design principles across multiple domains, SIGs can serve as a holistic solution to enhance user satisfaction and support healthy, independent ageing.