Date of Award

8-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

First Advisor

Mike Lavella

Second Advisor

Sarah Cantor

Third Advisor

Meredith Marsh

Abstract

This interdisciplinary study explores the intersection between horticultural therapy and web design, focusing on the impact of biophilic design principles in shaping contemporary practices within digital interface design. This exploration addresses the multifaceted relationship between humanity and the natural world, particularly how this connection serves as a source for the emergence of nature-inspired elements in digital expressions and their subsequent integration into modern web design for accessibility and well-being. As digital environments increasingly dominate daily experiences, the need for digital wellness through nature integration has become critical, especially for individuals who have physical disabilities, limited mobility, or limited access to outdoor spaces. Through systematic examination of existing literature from psychology, neuroaesthetics, horticultural therapy, landscape design, and web design, this research investigates how different representations of nature—from literal imagery to abstract forms and color—may influence user perception and well-being in web environments. The study presents the Virtual Garden Intervention (VGI) Framework, which demonstrates how horticultural therapy principles can be adapted for virtual contexts where direct contact with nature is impossible or prohibited, providing alternative pathways for nature's therapeutic benefits through carefully designed digital interventions. The research confirms that both literal and abstracted nature-inspired elements can positively impact user perception and experience in web environments, with their comparative effectiveness depending on contextual factors including user demographics, website purpose, and industry sector, establishing a robust theoretical foundation for practical implementation frameworks that enable designers and organizations to make evidence-informed decisions about nature-inspired elements based on their specific objectives, audience characteristics, and accessibility requirements.

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