Thinking Outside the (Space) Box: Researching Vibration, Microgravity, Auditory, Visual, and Olfactory Factors for Optimal Productivity

Traditional space environments prioritize functional engineering, often overlooking human-centered design - an omission that can impair astronaut performance, consequently reducing cost efficiency and leading to suboptimal financial outcomes. Optimizing environmental factors could enhance productivity and reduce costs, influencing mission approval and success. Research has long demonstrated that biophilic design and specific environmental factors impact individual performance. NASA has begun addressing circadian lighting, noise exposure, and short-term fragrance experiments, but further advancements could amplify productivity and well-being. This study synthesizes existing research on key environmental factors—visual (lighting and color), olfactory (scents), auditory (controlled sounds, binaural beats, and noise exposures), artificial gravity, and vibration, examining their effects on decision-making under cognitive load. Findings will be cross-referenced with financial mission cost data to quantify potential efficiency gains. By establishing a framework that links environmental optimization with economic impact, our research provides space agencies with actionable insights for future habitat design. This work is a foundation for further agency-led studies, integrating human performance with mission cost-effectiveness. It is recommended that space agencies consider experiments that utilize binaural beats and olfactory environments where lavender or petitgrain is present, which are detailed further below. Each of these factors has the potential to generate substantial returns by enhanced productivity with minimal implementation costs.