An interdisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Oklahoma Norman (OU Norman) and OU Health, including Interior Design professors, has published their study in the journal Virtual Reality.
The article, titled “Acceptability and Feasibility of Virtual Reality Multisensory Environments for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Professional Caregiver Perspectives”, was authored by Dr. Yeji Yi and Dr. Negar Heidari Matin (Assistant Professors of Interior Design), Dr. Anna Nguyen (Associate Professor of Nursing), Dr. Ziho Kang (Associate Professor in the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering), Akshaya Balakrishnan (recent graduate of the Master of Science in Interior Design program), and Dr. Steven Couch (neurodevelopmental pediatrician). The study examines the potential of Virtual Reality Multisensory Environments (VR MSEs) to support sensory exploration for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
The research highlights that VR MSEs may serve as a feasible, scalable, and accessible alternative to traditional multisensory environments. By leveraging virtual technology, VR MSEs can reduce spatial and financial barriers while offering customizable sensory experiences that better address diverse needs.
This work was made possible through the Health, Well-Being, and the Built Environment Seed Grant and the Faculty Investment Program, provided by the OU Norman Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships, the OU Health Vice President for Research, and the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture. The study was also supported by valuable partnerships with Bethany Children’s Health Center and Christian Bretz of VoyagerVR.
Read the full article in the Virtual Reality journal.
The Gibbs Design in Action Awards (GDAA) program, led by Dr. Wanda Liebermann, has announced its 2026–2027 funded student projects. The initiative supports design and research work that addresses social, cultural, and economic issues in the built environment through collaboration with faculty and community partners.
The OU Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) 2024 collaboration with the Historic Threatt Filling Station has been recognized in the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's newly released Byways Report: The Scenic Route to Rural Prosperity – a story-driven publication exploring how road trip culture and place-based tourism can fuel economic growth in rural communities.
The Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Camille Germany, Chief of Staff, has been named the 2026 recipient of the university-wide Jennifer L. Wise Good Stewardship Award.
