The Impact of Environment and Sound Design in Virtual Reality Applications in Education: A Systematic Review Using PRISMA

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) is one of the technologies that is transforming learning experiences by creating interactive simulations. What makes users attracted to this digital reality are two immersive components: Environment and Sound Design. These elements shape the walkthrough experience by engaging all the human senses.  This study presents a systematic review of existing literature on the impact of environmental and sound design in educational scenarios, following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. This research has applied predefined selection criteria to identify relevant studies, through a PRISMA flow diagram, ensuring transparency in study inclusion and exclusion. Findings from this review highlight that VR environments that include haptic interactions increase learner engagement and presence while immersive  sound design supports attention and emotional immersion. The study provides practical insights for educators, instructional designers, and VR developers, offering recommendations for optimizing immersive learning experiences.

Received: 05 July 2025 / Accepted: 30 August 2025 / Published: 25 September 2025