Research

Our research is community-focused, for community impact.

Uncovering Solutions

At the College of Design, we conduct practical, hands-on research that solves problems, drives prosperity and benefits our communities.

Our applied research guides key policymakers and informs how communities and products are designed. And compelling design methods like data visualization and virtual reality tech help bring important concepts to a wider audience.

There is value in the work we do. Our world-class research makes a real impact on people’s lives.

Building Energy Technology Laboratory (BETlab)

Healthy architecture embraces sustainable design principles. We conduct research and development of ecologically-responsive building technologies.

Building Systems Integration

We research how design can improve health and energy performances of the built environment, including structural and environmental elements.

Visual Narrative Initiative

As a community of researchers in engineering, design and the humanities, we use new forms of communication to increase the understanding of our past, present and future.

Natural Learning Initiative

We’re at the forefront of childhood development research through landscape architecture initiatives that encourage play.

Research in Ergonomics and Design Lab (RED Lab)

We quantify the interaction between individuals with diverse abilities, products and their environment in consumer markets and manufacturing environments.

Coastal Dynamic Design Lab

We help vulnerable coastal regions address ecological and community development in the face of changing climes.

Experience Design Lab

A cross-disciplinary community that explores virtual and augmented experiences as a cultural practice.

Mixed Reality Lab

We push the boundaries of VR/AR technology into new opportunities for commercialization and wide adoptive use.

Health Centered Design Lab

We design better and more equitable maternal care experiences for mothers and babies.

Public Interest Design

Public Interest Design relies on cooperation and collaboration. The design process used follows the SEED process, a holistic, creative approach to design driven by community needs.

Office of Research Engagement and Extension

We’re committed to fostering research and scholarship, from proposal development and to post-award management.

Learn more

Partner With Us

We’re always looking for unique partnerships in alignment with faculty expertise and partner interest. Through our work we empower industries, government agencies and communities across the state, region, and the nation by applying smart, sustainable solutions in response to grand challenges.

For partnerships and further inquiries, please contact Celen Pasalar, Assistant Dean for Research and Extension via celen_pasalar@ncsu.edu, or call 919.515.8952.

Industrial Design Graduate Wins Gold at 2022 IDEA Awards

Master of Industrial Design graduate, Abby Scheer, recently won Gold in the Student Category for the 2022 IDSA IDEA Awards. The award is considered by many to be the most prestigious product and industrial design award in the United States.

JMark Scearce composes music for Carolina Ballet

Designing for Dance

“Designing for dance is the ultimate act of design,” says Professor of Art + Design J. Mark Scearce, Ph.D. For the ballet’s 25th anniversary, four of Scearce’s ballets will be produced, giving design students a rare front row seat in the art of meeting client expectations.

Ben Coleman - Envisioning Research Contest Entry

Students Visualize Structures of Oppression; win NC State Envisioning Research Contest

Students in the College of Design recently took top prizes in the Graphics and Data Visualization and photography categories of the NC State Envisioning Research Contest. Three of the four entries from the college were part of the DIY Cartography: Oppressive Infrastructures class, which explored how we as a society are grappling with how to best serve diverse communities and create more equitable futures for all while visualizing the complex historic context around oppressive infrastructures in the US.