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Mind Wandering

Psychogeographic explorations into the built world.

Loneliness
The Metaverse Will Not Save You

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on December 8, 2021

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.

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.

Beauty
The Flames of Notre Dame Teach Us the Importance of Beauty

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on April 19, 2019

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.

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.

Depression
Can a Building Make You Sad?

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on August 22, 2015

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?

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?

Career
Can Machines 'Read' People Better Than We Can?

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on May 8, 2015

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

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

Attention
The Psychological Value of Public Art

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on January 15, 2015

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.

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.

Environment
Go Climb a Tree

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on June 30, 2014

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

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

Career
The Psychology of the Home Office

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on April 16, 2014

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.

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.

Neuroscience
The Neuroscience of Design

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on November 25, 2013

As neuroscientists learn more about how different kinds of environmental designs affect us, general principles relating brain and place will emerge.

As neuroscientists learn more about how different kinds of environmental designs affect us, general principles relating brain and place will emerge.

Stress
Coping With Urban Stress: Watch Where You Step

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on August 19, 2013

Our bodies react with stressful arousal to the typical experiences of an urban dweller, such as crossing a busy street, but we may be unaware of it.

Our bodies react with stressful arousal to the typical experiences of an urban dweller, such as crossing a busy street, but we may be unaware of it.

Attention
Ten Tips for a Psychologically Rewarding Vacation

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on July 6, 2013

When going on vacation, we may be so afraid of missing something But there are other approaches which involve opening up your mind to new experiences.

When going on vacation, we may be so afraid of missing something But there are other approaches which involve opening up your mind to new experiences.

Relationships
The Internet is the New Barrel of Fun

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on May 24, 2013

The design of built spaces exerts strong effects on our behavior, including how we connect with strangers. But now, with the Internet, the rules of engagement have changed.

The design of built spaces exerts strong effects on our behavior, including how we connect with strangers. But now, with the Internet, the rules of engagement have changed.

Child Development
What Happens When You Take a Psychologist to a Museum?

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on February 26, 2013

New methods for measuring behavior have allowed psychologists to place museum exploration under the microscope so that we can measure the unfolding feelings of museum-goers.

New methods for measuring behavior have allowed psychologists to place museum exploration under the microscope so that we can measure the unfolding feelings of museum-goers.

Career
Do Collaborative Workspaces Work?

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on November 25, 2012

New office designs are shifting away from traditional assembly-line style layouts to spaces designed to encourage interaction and creativity.

New office designs are shifting away from traditional assembly-line style layouts to spaces designed to encourage interaction and creativity.

Environment
All That Glitters Is Not Green

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on October 18, 2012

Much research has shown that exposure to greenery can make us happy and healthy. Can we take advantage of what we've learned about nature exposure to build settings that restore?

Much research has shown that exposure to greenery can make us happy and healthy. Can we take advantage of what we've learned about nature exposure to build settings that restore?

Neuroscience
Cold Dinners and Hot Buildings

Colin Ellard Ph.D. on October 2, 2012

At a meeting of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture, a visionary group of builders and thinkers ask whether neuroscience can contribute to better architecture.

At a meeting of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture, a visionary group of builders and thinkers ask whether neuroscience can contribute to better architecture.