Colin Ellard Ph.D.

About

Colin Ellard, Ph.D., is a professor of experimental psychology at the University of Waterloo in Canada. He holds a BSc in psychology and philosophy from the University of Toronto and an MA and Ph.D. in biopsychology from Western University. He has taught and conducted research at Queens University and Mount Allison University in Canada, and at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. As director of the Urban Realities Laboratory at the University of Waterloo, Ellard conducts research on the interplay between the design of the built world and brain function. He has published many articles on visual perception, wayfinding, and environmental psychology and is the author of You Are Here: How We Can Find Our Way To The Moon But Get Lost In The Mall and Places of the Heart: The Psychogeography of Everyday Life.

Books by Colin Ellard Ph.D.

Recent Posts

The Metaverse Will Not Save You

Confused by the hype about the Metaverse? Above all else, consider the pros and cons of substituting digital simulations of life for the real thing.

The Flames of Notre Dame Teach Us the Importance of Beauty

When Notre Dame caught fire, there was an outpouring of emotion from the whole world. This dramatic response illustrates the importance of beauty and awe in our lives.

Pokémon Go and the Failure of Urban Design

Perhaps the popularity of Pokémon Go signals our thirst for interesting urban design.

Look Up: The Surprising Joy of Raising Your Gaze

Next time you need a lift, try looking upwards.

Can a Building Make You Sad?

Time worn principles in architecture suggest that we might like buildings that mirror the proportions and harmonies of the human form. But what about faces?

Does Where You Live Make You Who You Are?

Recent research shows interesting connections between your physical surroundings and your personality.

Can Machines 'Read' People Better Than We Can?

We are being bombarded by accounts of new technology that can read our feelings by measuring facial expressions, voice qualities, and more.

The Psychological Value of Public Art

Public art reaches inside us to influence our senses, attract our attention, and change our habits. A simple experiment shows the power of art to influence how we use the city.

Go Climb a Tree

Tree-houses have been built throughout history but they now seem to be enjoying a resurgence.

The Psychology of the Home Office

Working from home can be all blissful flexibility or a mess of unproductive disorganization. Use these simple reminders to help support a productive home working environment.