Research

CADS research and creative scholarship advances creative leadership in the Science of Design through the integration of consumer sciences, technology, and design & creativity. CADS research and creative scholarship is transdisciplinary, collaborative, and consumer-centered, focused on the goal of human sustainability. Utilizing cutting edge technologies and methodologies, CADS’ research and creative scholarship address consumer and business needs locally and globally.

CADS research and creative scholarship converge in three core areas –Consumer Sciences, Technology, and Design & Creativity to focus on creating solutions to quality of life issues.

• Product/technology innovation to improve access to health information, human health and well-being, and consumer decision making (e.g., AI, AR/VR, 3D printing and simulation, 3D body scanning)
• User-centered adaptive and inclusive design (e.g., healthcare design, functional apparel, products for special populations)
• Functional/performance product design and evaluation (e.g., adaptive/inclusive design, performance design for sports and recreation, protective products for hazardous occupations)
• Circular processes/sustainability practices in fashion and built environment design and development
• Retail technology and business analytics (e.g., radio-frequency identification tag)
• Branding strategies for in-person and online consumer environments
• Sustainable, functional, aesthetic interior and public space design
• Consumer behavior in digital environments (e.g., social media marketing, digital retailing)
• Social-psychological and cultural aspects of consumer behavior
• Philanthropic practices and innovations
• Financial literacy and household money management
• Design-build educational experiences with technology integration
• Digital transformation in the fashion and interior design industries
• Pedagogy in consumer and design sciences

Faculty
CADS research and creative scholarship is advanced through the innovation and collaboration of scholars in design, consumer behavior, product development, omni-channel retailing, neuro decision making, sustainability and social responsibility.
CADS Faculty Profiles

Collaborations and Partnerships
MRI Center
The functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Center in Auburn University’s Research Park is a resource for collaboration between the healthcare industry in the community and the researchers at Auburn University. CADS faculty team with researchers in Engineering and Psychology to better understand the science of neuro decision making related to consumer purchases and health care decisions.

RFID Lab
The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Lab is a multidisciplinary collaboration of faculty in the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, the College of Human Sciences, and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. The Lab specializes in the business case and technical implementation of radio frequency identification in retail, supply chain, and manufacturing settings. A model retail store, the 95% store, is available to demonstrate cutting edge technology and provide a site for consumer decision making research.


Facilities and Equipment

• Industrial and home sewing machines
• SizeStream 3D Body Scanner which uses infrared depth sensor technology to map the surface of
• the subject
• Mutoh Digital TexUle Printer & Heat Press
• FDM 3D Printer
• Plotter
• Portable scanner with iPad
• DVarious sizes of dress forms and display manequins
• Video Conferencing
• Computer Technology
• Both PC and Mac computers
  
  Software packages include:
  
  • Gerber AccuMark
    
  • Opitex 2D & 3D
    
  • Adobe Creative Suite
    
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
    
  • Autodesk Revit
    
  • SketchUp Pro
    
  • Enscape
    
  • Rhino 3D Software
    
  • SPSS & Amos
    
  • M-Plus
    
  • NVivo
    
  • R software