The impact of buildings and urban design on human health and performance has been documented through more than forty years of scientific research. The Hx Lab integrates this human experience research into the design process to improve environmental quality, respond to human health emergencies, and ensure occupants are functioning optimally. We explore design strategies for diverse spaces including clinical, academic, and workplace using bespoke surveys and tailored sensor applications. With collaborations and cutting-edge tools, we are demonstrating the value of human-centered design.
“Confronting the Sexist City” is a study that helps reimagine our cities and understand how we can create better opportunities for women, girls, and other gender-diverse individuals in the public realm. This first exploration involved a group of participants traveling along a 2.2km stretch of Queen Street in Toronto, documenting their range of emotions and... Read more »
The post-acute care space is in dire need of innovation. Post-acute care facilities provide rehabilitation and long-term support for patients’ continued recovery and management of chronic illness or disability. With the increasing need to improve patient care and demographic shifts, healthcare systems have been focusing on quality improvement. However, there are several instances where patients... Read more »
Behavioral health needs are increasing at an alarming rate with one in five adults experiencing a mental illness of varying acuity. Prior research shows that 68 percent of adults with behavioral health conditions also have chronic medical comorbidities. However, current behavioral health services are plagued by access, payment, and provider gaps. The lack of care... Read more »
In the United States, the maternal mortality rate is 23.8 per 100,000 pregnancies representing 861 maternal deaths in 2020.1 Hospitals have made pregnancy a medical condition rather than a life event and it lacks patient-centeredness and empathy.2 To resolve the issue of maternal mortality and solve the physical challenges evolving during care, the need for... Read more »
This research aims to present the impact that COVID-19 had in the field of geriatrics. The article showcases challenges faced and current behavioral trends seen in the elderly population post-pandemic as it pertains to their healthcare needs. The aging population is the most vulnerable group of patients being cared for by the social care systems... Read more »
This research aims to study the needs of birthing women, focusing on enhancing the delivery of care and developing a new obstetrics program supporting patient-centeredness. A narrative literature review of the clinical needs of labor and delivery care is described to understand the importance of spatial conditions. The study will involve a descriptive evaluation of... Read more »
The Neurodiversity Toolkit provides strategies for evaluating and implementing design solutions in the workplace, to support the spectrum of neurological needs found within society. Support for Neurodiversity responds to the reality that we’re all wired differently. Through strategies that provide choice, flexibility and variety, environments can accommodate the diversity of people. Just as the varying... Read more »
The pandemic revealed that the challenges facing K-12 schools are examples of what are referred to as ‘wicked problems’. What is a wicked problem? Problems that are complex and difficult to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements. As 2020 revealed, these crises come in a variety of forms and are often hard to... Read more »
Given the ongoing climate of fear surrounding gun violence in K-12 schools, safety and security for school facilities have come to the forefront as a top priority for architects and designers. Unfortunately, very little scientific research exists to recommend design approaches that measurably impact school violence rates. This article seeks to provide a brief overview... Read more »
As extended reality technologies become better, more seamless, and more available, our virtual space and physical space will tend to merge into one hyperreal space. When this hyperreality emerges, it will fundamentally transform our human habitat at every scale. This transformation doesn’t have to be a bad thing! Ubiquitous XR activation may actually improve the... Read more »
Personal objects in the workplace have a proven positive impact on morale, productivity, and creativity. But in the ‘free address’ workplace, real estate is at a premium, and design teams are challenged to find a personal storage solution that feels personal. We believe new tools should complement this new work style, so we developed an... Read more »
