This graduate thesis project explores the intersection of color theory, environmental psychology, and smart technology to develop a user-centered desk lighting system that supports productivity and cognitive performance in modern workspaces. Grounded in extensive research on the physiological and psychological effects of light and color, the project investigates how tailored lighting conditions can influence focus, comfort, and overall task efficiency.

Through a mixed-methods research approach, including environmental observations, user surveys, cognitive testing, and iterative prototyping, the study identifies key lighting attributes that impact mental clarity and workflow. The outcome is lūm, a modular, smart lighting system designed to adapt to users' needs throughout the day by offering customizable color-temperature profiles, spatially layered illumination, and intuitive app-based controls.

This thesis not only contributes to the field of human-centered lighting design but also offers practical insights into how intelligent systems can transform everyday work environments into healthier, more cognitively supportive spaces.

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“Experiencing the Future” is an immersive design futures project exploring what mobility and accessibility might look like in Houston in the year 2040. Presented at the University of Houston’s Spring Gathering (Annual Conference), the experience invited participants to step into speculative personas navigating a reimagined urban infrastructure. Through a self-guided journey involving an AI-narrated intro, role-play, a Figma-based prototype, and a physical crosswalk installation, participants confronted frictions in future mobility systems, highlighting gaps, innovations, and tensions around inclusive urban design. The project blends speculative storytelling with tangible interaction, prompting critical reflection on how we design for agency, equity, and adaptation in future cities.

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