RESEARCH
POOOL’s first cohort of Designers-in-Residence consists of a select group of graduate students and alumni, who are developing and realizing design-driven research projects using emerging technology and AI tools.
Our research initiative extends beyond the current cohort’s projects. We invite collaboration on compelling research that pushes the boundaries of physical and digital user experiences. Whether partnerships with related academic departments, industry leaders, or individual researchers – we welcome you to share our passion for innovation in design, prototyping, and evaluating technologies that cultivate joy, empowerment, and accessibility in everyday life.
If you’re working in these areas or have intriguing research challenges that could benefit from our design-technology approach, we’d love to explore potential collaborations that advance both knowledge and human experience.
Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII) operates with a mission to advance leading-edge research in artificial intelligence and machine learning and to translate scientific advancement into industry adoption. This includes Education & Literacy, as well as promoting Ethical & Responsible AI: Advancing safety and trust in AI, ensuring that technology serves as a positive, inclusive tool for society.
We are in conversation with the institute about how AMII’s resources can be used and adopted for NSCAD’s Design Programs and Design Education.
NSCAD is currently testing some of Google’s educational tools which support research activities, teaching, and learning. For September 2026, we are organizing an intensive workshop which will explore the capabilities of Google's and other local AI models—offering zero cost, energy efficiency, and 100% privacy.
These upcoming sessions at NSCAD build upon our Collaborative Design Challenge in January 2026, which was held under the motto: Empowering Students to Create and Innovate with Current AI Tools in the Design Industry.
ACENET (Atlantic Computational Excellence Network) is an Atlantic Canadian non-profit consortium that provides high-performance computing (HPC) resources, cloud storage, big data analysis, and technical expertise to researchers and businesses in the region. It serves as the regional partner for the Digital Research Alliance of Canada.
We are in first conversations about how Acenet’s resources can be used and adopted for POOOL’s or the university’s research.
ACADEMIC
SUPERVISION
Through the Interdisciplinary Design Division at NSCAD, we collaborate with industry partners through funding programs that bridge academic research with real-world innovation. Through the Canadian National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) and Mitacs Accelerate initiatives, we support experiential and funded learning opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
Previous and ongoing
PROJECTS
Motivational interaction \\\ Huschang Pourian
How can augmented reality transform static identity materials into dynamic, multi-layered storytelling platforms that motivate deeper engagement while expanding accessible information pathways?
This project investigates the intersection of digital augmentation and physical design, questioning whether AR can bridge the gap between static visual communication and immersive information delivery, ultimately redefining how we engage with everyday communication materials in professionally and personally meaningful ways.
Smart wearables for muscle fatigue prevention
\\\ Junwen Hu
How can smart technology facilitate adaptive interaction methods that improve physical well-being?
This project investigates methods of how smart wearable devices can accurately pre-detect muscle fatigue patterns before discomfort becomes apparent, and how these devices might automatically modify computer interaction styles—shifting from mouse-heavy tasks to voice commands, suggesting micro-breaks, or adapting interface elements—to reduce physical strain while maintaining productivity.
The research addresses a critical gap between passive health monitoring and active workplace wellness intervention, questioning whether technology can serve as both an early warning system and an adaptive assistant in creating more sustainable digital work practices.
Digital tools for enhanced learning experiences and well-being \\\ Huschang Pourian
How can digital learning technologies harness the positive psychological effects of active learning to create enhanced life experiences that rival traditional hands-on educational approaches?
This research examines the documented phenomenon that learners experience elevated mood and overall well-being during active learning moments, while addressing the challenge that digital tools often default to passive consumption modes like reading or lecture-viewing. The study investigates whether purposefully designed digital learning experiences can transcend their typical limitations to generate the same experiential benefits associated with physical, hands-on learning.
Reconnecting digital interaction with material sensitivity
\\\ Dekid Wu
How can tactile feedback systems within digital interfaces restore our diminishing sensitivity to material qualities and re-establish emotional connections to the physical world?
This research addresses the growing disconnect between humans and natural materials as digital tools increasingly replace physical interactions with glass screens and synthetic surfaces. This study investigates whether deliberate tactile experiences can counteract this sensory numbing and restore meaningful material relationships within digital contexts.
Digital care companions: Material interfaces for childhood emotional well-being \\\ Ruosi Wang
Can digital tools integrated with tactile materials and care-giving symbolism effectively address children’s separation anxiety and loneliness by mimicking essential human care relationships?
This research addresses the fundamental need for physical contact and emotional care in children’s development, particularly when separated from caregivers.
The project explores the intersection of child psychology, material design, and digital interaction, questioning whether technology can authentically supplement rather than replace human care by embodying the tactile and symbolic qualities that children instinctively seek for emotional security and comfort during vulnerable moments of separation.
Immersive VR navigation for narrative web experience \\\ Huschang Pourian
Can 720° virtual reality touring technology transform conventional website navigation into emotionally engaging narrative journeys that guide users through complex content structures?
This project examines the intersection of spatial computing and information design. It explores how VR navigation can create affective interactions that lead users through coherent narrative chapters rather than disconnected content layers, potentially transforming passive browsing or infinite scrolling into active exploration.
Academic Advisor: Huschang Pourian
FUNDED PROJECTS
AIR Resilience Inc.
Research around UX/UI accessibility of mental training platform (2026). Researcher: Zile (Dekid) Wu. Funded by the Canadian National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program.
MacKenzie Healthcare Technologies Ltd.
Research around alternative charging methods for Paraglide, a wheelchair support system, by MacKenzie Healthcare Technologies (2025). Researcher: Vos Truong. Funded by the Canadian National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program.
Dispension Industries Inc.
Research around face-recognition software, involving interface testing, analysis and evaluation of usability and efficiency (2025). Researcher: Junwen (Juno) Hu. Funded by the Canadian National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program.
Investor Q&A | Farrell Communication Inc.
Research for the development of an online learning, practice, and feedback console for women to assess their abilities needed in the process of raising venture capital for startups (2025). Researcher Evgeniia, Zhenia Sukhodolskaia received a Business Strategy Internship (BSI) grant, in partnership with NSCAD, Saint Mary’s University and Farrell Communication Inc.
AllerEase
R&D of a ‘Personalized Allergy-Safe Grocery Decision Platform’ (2025-2026). Researcher Yiran Xie received a Business Strategy Internship (BSI) grant, in partnership with NSCAD and Springboard Atlantic Inc.
SEEYA Design Inc.
R&D of a ‘childhood myopia prevention tool’ (2025).
Researcher Zhuwen (Jewell) Tan received a Business Strategy Internship (BSI) grant, in partnership with NSCAD and Springboard Atlantic Inc.
Mector
R&D of a ‘supportive memory solution for dementia patients’ (2025).
Researcher Shima Soltani received a Business Strategy Internship (BSI) grant, in partnership with NSCAD and Springboard Atlantic Inc.
XO Technology Inc.
R&D of a digitalized method for a finger dexterity test to evaluate and track neurological health based on daily activities. (2024-2025).
Researcher Junwen Hu received funding through the Mitacs Accelerate Program, in collaboration with NSCAD and XO Technology.
Inquiries
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