2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This study investigates the relationship between urban walkability and human stress across three distinct sites utilizing data collected from wearable sensors. The objective is to assess how urban design. and environmental factors influence human stress during walking. Participants were equipped with wearable sensors to monitor physiological indicators of stress (e.g., heart rate variability, etc.) as they walked through different urban environments. Data was collected in real time to capture fluctuations in stress levels and provide insights into how specific urban design features impact pedestrian well-being. To facilitate the data collection and analysis, walking areas were divided into blocks, and urban design features were grouped into six categories such as imageability, enclosure, human scale, transparency, complexity, and safety. Each city has different features, depending on the issues that were considered most pressing for that city. To supplement sensor stress data, the study also utilized surveys to gather participants’ perceptions of safety, comfort, and environmental quality. Using regression analysis, researchers identified the urban design categories that have a significant impact on stress scores and their frequency. Results showed that increased stress is correlated with poorly designed walkways, while lower stress was linked to well-maintained paths and green spaces. Transparency and enclosure were identified as significant contributors to pedestrian stress. The findings from one of the three cities add another dimension to the understanding of walkability and stress, highlighting that there are factors beyond basic infrastructure such as noise levels and tree canopy can play a significant role in influencing pedestrian well-being. Findings from this research can facilitate targeted infrastructure planning and investment, better mobility, and ultimately improve the quality of life in urban areas. Future research should consider a wider range of environmental and social factors, and how different factors interact over time to influence stress levels.