Research in Digital Media and Design

My research, teaching, and outreach initiatives are centered on three core areas: Digital Media, Artificial Intelligence, and Design. As a professionally trained Architect, my passion for design seamlessly integrates with my enthusiasm for innovative digital technologies, including Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence. Highlighted below are some of my key research projects and publications.

Mixed Reality Lab Google Scholar

Can artificial intelligence support creativity in early design processes?

This study examines the impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) on design ideation, focusing on its ability to enhance creativity and reduce cognitive load. Through a quasi-experimental approach involving 40 design students, the research highlights how AI tools like text-to-image generators serve as co-creators, fostering innovative solutions and influencing design outcomes. Findings reveal that generative AI significantly enhances design quality while supporting cognitive load management, underscoring its transformative potential in design education.

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The effect of subliminal suggestions on
Sudden Moments of Inspiration (SMI) in
the design process

The purpose of the study is to identify Sudden Moments of Inspiration (SMI) in the architectural design process to examine the effect of subliminal suggestions on SMI. In the study, two experienced designers were selected and were provided with a design task. While one designer was subjected to subliminal suggestions through a slide show presentation and a video clip, the other designer was not. The design sessions of both designers were recorded, coded and analyzed, using concurrent and retrospective protocol methods. Comparison of the two design protocols provided convincing evidence of the occurrence of SMI influenced by subliminal suggestions.

Citation: Chandrasekera, T., Vo, N., & D'Souza, N. (2013). The effect of subliminal suggestions on Sudden Moments of Inspiration (SMI) in the design process. Design studies, 34(2), 193-215.

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Virtual environments with soundscapes: A study on immersion and effects of spatial abilities

In this study we explore how soundscapes can be used as navigational aids in
virtual environments and empirically investigate the correlation between immersiveness
in virtual environments and spatial abilities when soundscapes are used as landmarks for
wayfinding. We attempt to advance knowledge regarding auditory cues contributing to
enhanced immersive and navigational experience in virtual environments. Findings are
likely to be utilized in effective design for physical environments and wayfinding.

Citation: Chandrasekera, T., Yoon, S. Y., & D'Souza, N. (2015). Virtual environments with soundscapes: a study on immersion and effects of spatial abilities. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, 42(6), 1003-1019.

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Using Augmented Reality Prototypes in Design Education

This study documents alternate modeling strategies utilizing technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in Architectural and Interior Design education through the Technology Acceptance Model to better understand how students perceive design solutions in early design studios.
The results of the study suggest that design students found physical models to be comparable to AR models and that the AR technology was easy to use.

Citation: Chandrasekera, T. (2014). Using augmented reality prototypes in design education. Design and Technology Education: an International Journal, 19(3).

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The Effect of Tangible User Interfaces on Cognitive Load in the Creative Design Process

The purpose of the study is to identify Sudden Moments of Inspiration (SMI) in the architectural design process to examine the effect of subliminal suggestions on SMI. In the study, two experienced designers were selected and were provided with a design task. While one designer was subjected to subliminal suggestions through a slide show presentation and a video clip, the other designer was not. The design sessions of both designers were recorded, coded and analyzed, using concurrent and retrospective protocol methods. Comparison of the two design protocols provided convincing evidence of the occurrence of SMI influenced by subliminal suggestions.

Citation: Chandrasekera, T., & Yoon, S. Y. (2015, September). The Effect of Tangible User Interfaces on Cognitive Load in the Creative Design Process. In Mixed and Augmented Reality-Media, Art, Social Science, Humanities and Design (ISMAR-MASH'D), 2015 IEEE International Symposium on (pp. 6-8). IEEE.

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