Connected and Mediated Environments Laboratory

Our Research

Dr. Leah Scolere, Assistant Professor

With the convergence of digital and physical environments, interior environments are increasingly connected places; designed for interaction between mobile devices, digital information, and the building architecture. New media and connective technologies mediate our experiences of place including workplace, retail, museum, hospitality, and healthcare.

We explore the role of connective technologies in assessing building design and enhancing users’ experiences of interior environments. Our lab investigates a range of emerging connective technologies such as augmented reality (AR), space utilization sensors, 3D capture scanning, eye-tracking and virtual reality (VR) to measure the impact of design.

Connective Technologies for Design

Augmented Reality (AR) Technology

Augmented reality (AR) can enhance the experience of interior environments by overlaying digital information and graphics on the physical environment. We are developing a mobile AR experience to assess building design strategies and enhance the user experience. Check out our Building that Teaches project.

VR Eye Tracking and Eye Tracking Technology

We are using virtual reality (VR) eye tracking and eye tracking technologies to assess users’ visual attention of interior environments related to environmental graphics, branding, communication messaging, and wayfinding.

3D Scan Capture Technology

3D scan capture technology allows us to scan an existing or in-construction environment and to transform spatial data into a photo-realistic digital twin of a space. We are exploring how these photo-realistic virtual environments impact users’ experiences of physical space.

Check out the virtual tour we created for the CSU Design Library to see this in action!

Sensor Technology

Smart buildings belong to a growing area of connected environments designed to increase interactions between mobile devices, sensor technology, digital information, and building architecture. Increasingly, building use data from connected environments are leveraged to optimize spatial design toward improving user satisfaction, collaboration, and productivity across workplace environments. We are using spatial sensors to understand spatial utilization of interior environments and suggest evidence-based design strategies.

Social Media Platforms

We are exploring how social media platforms are reconfiguring work practices for designers including portfolio-building, inspiration exchange, self-branding, and co-design.