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.

Office of Research Engagement and Extension

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

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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 Soolyeon Cho, associate dean of research, doctoral programs and global engagement at soolyeon.cho@ncsu.edu.

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.

Media Arts, Design and Technology Department Embraces Name Change to Highlight the Future of Design

The Art + Design Department in the NC State College of Design will now be known by a new name, the Department of Media Arts, Design and Technology, affectionately known as MADTech. “This name change reflects a shift in the future of our department towards the emerging trends in digital media production” says Department Head Derek Ham. “It aligns with our academic content, our faculty expertise, and focuses on the areas of the profession that use emerging technology for creative use.”

Design students in Buckminster Fuller's class design a geodesic cotton mill or textile mill

75 Years of Leading by Design: College of Design Celebrates a Momentous Milestone

The College of Design celebrates its 75th anniversary throughout 2023 with a series of lectures, events, alumni weekends, and more.

Preparing the next generation of green professionals with LEED Lab

North Carolina State University (NC State) is preparing the next generation of green building leaders through LEED Lab. This multidisciplinary immersion course uses project-based learning in the built environment to educate and prepare students to become green building leaders and sustainability-focused citizens.

A partial rendering of the San Ignacio Church interior

A Digital Heritage: Interdisciplinary Project Aims to Bring Colombian Church to Life

By combining the fields of archaeology and 3D design, Assistant Professor of Archaeology Julie K. Wesp and Assistant Professor of Media Arts, Design and Technology, Justin Johnson are working together to bring a centuries-old church back to life.