Distinction in Our Research
The School of Industrial Design's research is interdisciplinary in nature. By working to create and design for new needs, we actively work with professionals across industries and disciplines to deliver through a user-centered research approach.
CoDe Craft Group
CoDe Craft (Computational Design and Craft) is a research group established in 2019 at Georgia Tech. The lab designs and builds computational design tools and methods that integrate everyday craft materials with computing. Exploration is carried out regarding how computing technologies can extend and transform familiar and accessible materials both as tools and as materials. The lab investigates how these combinations can broaden creative possibilities for designers–those who strive to make the world a better place to live in.
Interactive Product Design Lab
This lab focuses on smart technologies and student collaboration (undergraduates through Ph.D.) between designers, engineers, and computer scientists. Wearable technology is a feature of this lab's work, with emphasis on the importance of product concept and audience. Half of the time in the lab is spent on storytelling and figuring out how to communicate the use, value, and meaning of a product to users of that product. The prototyping facilities of this lab come in handy when researchers incorporate models in their communications.
Algorithmic Craft Lab
The Algorithmic Craft Lab focuses on methods of combining endangered and traditional handcraft with algorithmic modeling in order to produce new modes of production.
GM HMI Lab
The GM Human-Machine Interaction (HMI) Lab is interested in the future of transportation. In this lab, students imagine what that future will look, sound, and feel like. The research figures out how will people interact with their vehicles, and what will they do while being driven around by the virtual chauffeurs of autonomous (self-driving) cars.
REAR Lab
The Rehabilitation Engineering and Applied Research Lab (REAR Lab) takes an applied research approach to studying, developing, and enhancing specialized products that increase the health and user experience value of people with disabilities
Body Scan Lab
The Body Scan Lab studies the body shape variations of individuals and global populations to create better-fitting products that improve the quality of human life. The research focuses on creating design tools for the human body using high resolution 3D scanning, free-form CAD software, and digital manufacturing methods.
Health Design Collab
Dr. Aflatoony's research employs design approaches (e.g. human-centered design), design methods (e.g. participatory design), and emerging technologies (e.g. Augmented Reality, 3D printing) to address critical challenges in various areas of application such as healthcare and education.
Lab Directors
Our labs are run by School of Industrial Design professors and tied to both our undergraduate and graduate programs. Over the course of lab-related studios, students have access to the latest and emerging technologies to enable design discovery. Often they collaborate with peers in mechanical or biomechanical engineering in our labs. Additionally, students are often introduced to industry professionals as they take part in sponsored lab projects or present the results of their research.
Research Highlights
Wayne Li
Stephen Sprigle