Materials Science Research Centre Immersion Lab
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Located in the RCA Rausing Building, the Immersion Lab is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to pioneering materials experience research and design.
The Immersion Lab's mission is to deliver innovative, applied solutions for the pressing challenges of sustainability and human wellbeing related to the human experience of materials. We are the only lab in London and the UK with this unique capability, blending rigorous scientific methods with creative design practice to characterise the sensory experience of materials.
Capabilities and Tools
The Immersion Lab is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment to explore the full spectrum of material characteristics.
- Human-Centred Material Characterisation: We began by prioritising equipment for comfort assessment, including the Fabric Touch Tester and Moisture Management Tester. This gives us a deep understanding of how materials feel and perform against the skin.
- Immersive Technologies: Our space is fully flexible and equipped for crafting digital experiences of and about materials, such as provenance. Using cutting-edge AR and VR equipment secured through our research grants, we create and study material experiences in a variety of contexts.
- AI and Digital Tools: We develop and utilise innovative AI and XR tools to enhance design methods and deliver new capabilities to our partners.
Research and Partnerships
We secured UK Research Council awards to lead projects on:
- The circular economy for textiles, with a focus on the consumer experience and wellbeing.
- Digital tools that support apparel life-extension strategies.
- An AI-enabled sensory materials library tool to guide the sustainable selection of materials in design.
The Immersion Lab serves as a hub for collaboration, drawing keen interest from academia and the industry. We are available to provide consultancy and contract research for a wide range of partners, tackling real-world challenges with innovative solutions.
