Research
Improving the Health and Human Experience in the Designed Environment
Please visit our Research Grants, Publications, Conference Presentations and Awards.
The overall goals of research and creative activity in the Department of Design and Human Environment are to advance knowledge, policies, and practices to enhance the lives, health, and environments of individuals. Through our research and creative activities we strive to address social issues, improve human environmental conditions, and advance our subject matter areas. Underlying themes include social responsibility, development across the lifespan, diversity, and interdisciplinary approaches.
Design and Human Environment Signature Research/Creative Activity Areas
Designing Human Environments
** apparel ** interiors ** housing ** products
- addressing the needs of children, seniors, people with health problems, and other special populations
- implementing enabling technologies
- using environmentally responsible textiles and materials
- considering historic, cultural, social, psychological, aesthetic, economic, and marketing factors
Understanding Consumers and Users of Designed Environments
- decision making processes
- responses to and satisfaction with apparel, interiors, and housing
- perceptions of environmental quality
- influence of historic, cultural, social, psychological, aesthetic, economic, and marketing factors in designed environments
Applications of DHE Research and Creative Activity
- product development
- practices of individuals, organizations, and companies
- informed policy making
- pedagogy
- theory development
The Center for Healthy Aging Research is a community of researchers dedicated to studying aging related issues including Diet, Genes and Aging; Bone Health, Exercise, and Function in Aging; Psychosocial Factors and Optimal Aging; and Social and Ethical Issues in Technologies for Healthy Aging. Social and Ethical Issues in Technologies for Healthy Aging Core Director Carmen Steggell and other researchers examine innovations in assistive technologies to enhance independent living for older adults.
The Green Design Team - Interior design students team up with Engineering and Environmental Sciences to promote environmentally safe design in campus buildings.
