Extended Reality (XR) Technology in ADHD-Friendly Classroom Design

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38027/smart.v2n1-6

Keywords:

Children with ADHD, Classroom interior design, Contemporary furniture design, Extended Reality (XR) as a learning tool, ADHD Education

Abstract

 

The educational environment in elementary schools significantly impacts the learning process, children's physical and mental health, and student achievements. Architectural design plays a vital role in supporting ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) students, creating spaces that promote focus and engagement. This study seeks to discover how Extended Reality (XR) technology transforms classroom design into customizable learning environments. It uses qualitative methodology in collecting data from four schools in the United States to understand the current classroom challenges for ADHD students aged between 6 and 11. Moreover, the research applies a quantitative approach through a comprehensive survey that reveals educators' perspectives on using Extended Reality (XR) as a tool for ADHD-friendly classroom design. The results highlight both enthusiasm and concerns regarding XR implementation. It summarizes the key findings and proposes a roadmap for incorporating XR in classroom layout and the needed infrastructure to enhance the motivation and involvement of learners. To optimize XR for students with ADHD, classrooms should prioritize flexibility, movement, and sensory regulation.

References

Alizadeh, S., Bridge, C. E., Judd, B. H., & Eapen, V. (2023). Home indoor environmental quality and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Sustainability, 15(4), 2899. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15042899

Alkahtany, L. (2014). Space design for hyperactivity and distracted attention: Methodology of sustainable materials use. International Journal of Metallurgical and Materials Science and Engineering, 4(5), 1–10,

Alqahtani, L. (2015). Furnishing and indoor environment for hyperactivity and distracted attention: In the context of sustainable design. International Journal of Contemporary Architecture “The New ARCH”, 2(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.14621/tna.20150201

Barnett, J. E. H. (2017). Helping Students with ADHD in the Age of Digital Distraction. Research Advocacy and Practice for Complex and Chronic Conditions, 36(2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.14434/pders.v36i2.23913

Black, E., & Hattingh, M. (2020). Assistive Technology for ADHD: A Systematic Literature Review. In Lecture notes in computer science (pp. 514–523). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-63885-6_56

Blume, F., Göllner, R., Moeller, K., Dresler, T., Ehlis, A., & Gawrilow, C. (2018). Do students learn better when seated close to the teacher? A virtual classroom study considering individual levels of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Learning and Instruction, 61, 138–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2018.10.004

Barbu, M., Iordache, D., Petre, I., Barbu, D., & Băjenaru, L. (2025). Framework design for reinforcing the potential of XR Technologies in transforming inclusive education. Applied Sciences, 15(3), 1484. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031484

Danielson, M. L., Claussen, A. H., Bitsko, R. H., Katz, S. M., Newsome, K., Blumberg, S. J., Kogan, M. D., & Ghandour, R. (2024). ADHD Prevalence among U.S. Children and Adolescents in 2022: Diagnosis, severity, Co-Occurring Disorders, and Treatment. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 53(3), 343–360. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2024.2335625

Dewitz, A. (2014). Classroom Designs to Accommodate ADHD and Learning Disabled Students. Journal on Best Teaching Practices Vol. 1, No.1, pp. 9 -10, http://teachingonpurpose.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Dewitz-A.-2014.-Classroom-designs-to-accomodate-ADHD-and-learning-disabled-students.pdf

DuPaul, G. J., Weyandt, L. L., & Janusis, G. M. (2011). ADHD in the Classroom: Effective Intervention Strategies. Theory Into Practice, 50(1), 35–42. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405841.2011.534935

El-said, H. (2023). Interaction Technics and its Implementation into Designing Interactive fidget-friendly classroom furniture for ADHD. Journal of Architecture, Arts, and Humanities, volume 8 issue 40 pp. 677- 687. https://doi.org/10.21608/MJAF.2021.78057.2352

Fidosieva, H. R. (2025). Strategies for supporting students with ADHD: Overcoming challenges and enhancing success. European Journal of Special Education Research, 10(8): 114-123. ISSN: 2501 – 2428. https://oapub.org/edu/index.php/ejse/article/view/5794

Frolli, A., Ricci, M., Di Carmine, F., Savarese, G., Siciliano, M., Carotenuto, M., & Rega, A. (2022). Using virtual reality to improve learning in children with ADHD. current pediatric research, 26, 1244-1249, ISSN: 0971-9032, https://currentpediatrics.com/articles/using-virtual-reality-to-improve-learning-in-children-with-adhd-19933.html

Friedman, L.W., and Friedman, H.H. (2011). Using Social Media Technologies to Enhance OnlineLearning. Journal of Educators Online, 10(1), pp. 1-22. https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2013.1.5

Magen-Nagar, N., & Peled, B. (2013). Using Social Media Technologies to Enhance Online Learning. The Journal of Educators Online, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.9743/jeo.2013.1.5

Gad, S., Noor, W., & Kamar, M. (2022). How does the interior design of learning spaces impact the students` health, behavior, and performance? Journal of Engineering Research - Egypt/Journal of Engineering Research, 6(4), 74–87. https://doi.org/10.21608/erjeng.2022.265380

Nasrallah, E. (2023). Classroom design for children’s attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the elementary [Poster]. Texas Tech University, College of Human Science. https://issuu.com/emannasrallah/docs/dr.gainsposterfinalsavingdec5th11_18

Carrasco, M. D. O., & Chen, P. (2021). Application of mixed reality for improving architectural design comprehension effectiveness. Automation in Construction, 126, 103677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103677

Parsons, T. D., Bowerly, T., Buckwalter, J. G., & Rizzo, A. A. (2007). A Controlled Clinical Comparison of Attention Performance in Children with ADHD in a Virtual Reality Classroom Compared to Standard Neuropsychological Methods. Child Neuropsychology, 13(4), 363–381. https://doi.org/10.1080/13825580600943473

Pradono, S., Astriani, M. S., & Moniaga, J. (2013). A METHOD FOR INTERACTIVE LEARNING. CommIT (Communication and Information Technology) Journal, 7(2), 46. https://doi.org/10.21512/commit.v7i2.583

Stanić, V., Žnidarič, T., Repovš, G., & Geršak, G. (2022). Dynamic Seat Assessment for Enabled Restlessness of Children with Learning Difficulties. Sensors, 22(9), 3170. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22093170

Tannock, R., Banaschewski, T., & Gold, D. (2006). Color naming deficits and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A retinal dopaminergic hypothesis. Behavioral and Brain Functions, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-9081-2-4

Zangiacomi, A., Flori, V., Greci, L., Scaglione, A., Arlati, S., & Bernardelli, G. (2022). An immersive virtual reality-based application for treating ADHD: A remote evaluation of acceptance and usability. Digital Health, 8, 205520762211432. https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076221143242

• Berhm School website, (2025). https://www.brehm.org/

• Josiah Haynes Elementary School website, (2025). https://haynes.sudbury.k12.ma.us/

• Tampa Day School website, (2025). https://www.tampadayschool.com/

• Willow Hill School website, (2025). https://www.willowhillschool.org/

Downloads

Published

2025-07-20

How to Cite

Extended Reality (XR) Technology in ADHD-Friendly Classroom Design. (2025). Smart Design Policies, 2(1), 92-106. https://doi.org/10.38027/smart.v2n1-6

Share

Similar Articles

1-10 of 15

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.