Laboratories
The Centre relies on the collaboration of several laboratories and research groups that work synergistically to achieve its mission.
ExperienceLab is a research group founded and coordinated by Prof. Andrea Gaggioli and Prof. Alice Chirico. The main research area of the laboratory concerns the study of the psychology of experience and complex emotions. At the methodological level, research focuses on the definition of new approaches to measure and evaluate experience (UX), using a wide spectrum of approaches, tools and technologies. At the applied level, the lab develops approaches, methods, and tools to design immersive experiences that improve people's lives and help organizations achieve their goals.
Psychology of Communication Laboratory
The Laboratory of Psychology of Communication was founded in 1997/1998 in cooperation with the Faculty of Psychology of the Catholic University of Milan. The scientific direction was entrusted until 2020 to Prof. Rita Ciceri, professor of General Psychology and Psychology of Communication for Well-being. Investigation methods include experimental research both in the laboratory and in the field, emotional induction and naturalistic observation, as well as computerized analysis of nonverbal behavior. The laboratory makes use of complete instrumentation for acoustic analysis and analysis of non-verbal behavior, updated hardware and software for the digital analysis of signals. Particular attention is given to the methodological study of acquisition and analysis techniques for the identification of patterns or expressive configurations of synchronized and semantically related behaviors.
Mind, Culture and Communication Lab (MiCC)
The Mind, Culture & Communication Lab (MICC) is dedicated to exploring the intersection of mind, culture, and communicative processes, with the aim of enriching the understanding of aesthetic and cultural experiences. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the workshop addresses topics such as art, transformation, well-being and technology, with the aim of expanding knowledge and generating a positive impact on society through collaborations with cultural and health institutions, while enhancing the potential of new technologies. His research methodologies range from laboratory experiments to field studies, the latter specifically designed for cultural institutions. The workshop integrates skills and methods from different disciplines – including cognitive neuroscience, positive psychology, communication psychology and social psychology – together with museology and museography.
Laboratory of Communicative Interaction and New Technologies (LICENT)
The Laboratory of Communicative Interaction and New Technologies (LICENT), directed by Prof. Giuseppe Riva, deals with basic and applied research related to media psychology, cyberpsychology, and cybertherapy. The main topics concern the study of presence in environments with variable virtuality; the implications of new media for psychological well-being (positive technology); and the therapeutic and rehabilitative applications of virtual reality. The laboratory makes use of advanced research technologies that include immersive virtual devices, tools for measuring psycho-physiological, neurophysiological and behavioral responses (e.g. eye-tracking).
