Research Areas
Humber focuses its research and innovation efforts and resources in areas where we have an established, world-class reputation and where we are demonstrating emerging expertise and competency.
Research & Innovation has identified five key areas of research activities based on evidence that Humber faculty and students had already completed, are actively engaged in, and have sufficient capacity to continue research in each area. In addition to reflecting areas in which Humber can build on its unique strengths, these areas may also stimulate thinking about new, interdisciplinary research activities and be particularly helpful in developing and enriching partnerships.
Sustainable Architecture
Applied research in Sustainable Architecture and Energy Efficient Construction involves projects that seek to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and development space, both in construction processes and resulting infrastructure. Partners collaborate with the faculty and students of programs like Architectural Technology, Computer Engineering, Project Management, and Sustainable Energy and Building Technology to work on these projects, creating more sustainable architecture. Collaborators can work on sustainability projects at Humber in facilities such as the Sustainable Energy Labs, Energy Auditing Lab, Building Automation Systems Lab, and the Renewable Energy Lab.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the rapidly growing network of machines, appliances, systems, and devices that feature internet connectivity. IoT objects are equipped with sensors and are controlled remotely and integrated into computer-based systems that result in improved efficiency, accuracy, and economic benefits. Humber students from Computer Engineering Technology, Industrial Design, Web Design and Interactive Media, Wireless Telecommunications, User Experience Design, and other programs are trained with the skills required to collaborate on IoT projects and make these interconnected communications a reality. Working with Humber faculty, staff and research professionals, industry partners can solicit feedback from potential clients and modify their products before they launch, increasing the likelihood of market success in a much shorter period.
Systems Integration
System integration is the process of joining various subsystems used in a variety of industrial processes into a larger, more efficient, and cohesive system. Students working on applied research projects in this area combine existing components into an integrated system and ensure that each subsystem functions in sync, supporting innovation. Considerable work has been directed towards supporting Ontario’s manufacturing sector. These system integration projects often feature the skills demonstrated by students from Humber programs such as Electromechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronics, and Industrial Design. By collaborating with Humber on these projects, partners have access to facilities such as the Robotics/Automation Lab, Instrumentation, Process Control, PLC Lab, and the Manufacturing Lab and Machine Shop.
User Experience Design
All User Experience (UX) Design starts from a human-centred approach. UX Design is a design process focusing on enhancing the user’s interaction and experience with a product. UX Design research focuses on generating design problem hypotheses, structured design process plans, persuasive arguments for redesign, and compelling UX deliverables. UX research projects draw from expertise in innovative web and mobile design, interactive storytelling, advertising and PR, 3D animation, journalism and more—and in all areas, usability is at the forefront. Partners discover insights about their client base through usability testing and prototyping; students can apply classroom learnings to real-world contexts and build design portfolios that will help them launch careers as UX design professionals; and faculty members can expand their research offerings in a quickly evolving field of study. These projects yield benefits for all parties.
Social Innovation
Humber’s social innovation research is focused on the area of community development. Projects in this area aim to address challenges by collaborating with community members to take collective action. Social innovation projects create opportunities for students from programs such as Addictions and Mental Health, Criminal Justice, Child and Youth Care, Research Analyst Postgraduate, Food and Nutrition Management, Social Service Worker, Developmental Service and many others across all Humber schools. Some of Humber’s facilities that support this applied research are the Conflict Resolution Simulation Lab, the Crime Lab, and the Forensic Studio.