ExpLAB Schloss Schneckenhof
The ExpLAB provides you with a space for creative and collaborative learning and working. Moreover, it offers a state-of-the-art technical infrastructure, including eye tracking, VR-glasses and tools for design thinking. You can use it on your own or with a study group, you can set up experiments, or use the tech components to gather data for seminar or final papers.
The ExpLAB is located right next to the InfoCenter. Its working environment adapts to your needs: you will find modular seats, adjustable tables, a huge screen and white board and a mobile partition with an integrated touchscreen. The ExpLAB hosts smaller lectures, workshops and tech-related seminars.
We support you with the course series ExpLAB Explained.
Design Thinking
Design thinking is a systematic approach to complex problems from various fields of work. This method is mainly used by companies and various research disciplines to develop ideas and products. Typical are playful and creative methods as well as the openness for unconventional approaches.
For students
The Design Thinking tools of the ExpLAB are particularly useful for group work and complex projects. Therefore, the room can be used variably: There is enough space for presentation areas, a large whiteboard, a movable wall with integrated touch screen and adjustable tables. In our tool-rack you will find plenty of materials for free use: from handicraft materials, moderation cards and stopwatches to building materials for three-dimensional visualization, there are the right tools for every project. Use this infrastructure to start a new creative innovation process as a team!
For teachers and researchers
You are free to use the Design Thinking possibilities for your courses. For your teaching activities, this opens up exciting possibilities in the context of seminars, research and project seminars, service learning, workshops or work in small and working groups. It is also worth developing a new approach to thinking with Design Thinking methods for your own research projects.
Eye Tracking
With eye tracking, researchers derive insights into human behavior from the analysis of eye movements. In addition to the basic eye tracking function, the eye tracking station provides tools for measuring facial expressions or body functions such as pulse and skin conductance.
For students
The software platform of the eye tracking station can be used interdisciplinary for term papers. Possible fields of application are MKW (e.g. reception or selection research), psychology (e.g. cognitive and advertising psychology), linguistics (e.g. reading and language research), business studies (e.g. market research), pedagogy (e.g. investigation of learning processes) and many more. You can borrow notebooks with integrated software from the UB to collect your data and then take it home with you. After a short introductory training, you can use the eye tracking station to collect your own data and turn your term paper into an innovative product of scientific work!
For teachers and researchers
The eye tracking station of the ExpLAB is freely accessible for teachers and researchers after an introduction. Please contact us for an appointment. On site you will find notebooks with integrated software, that you can borrow. This allows you to collect your data from the sensors in a synchronized manner and then take it home with you. Integrate the newly acquired eye tracking techniques into your teaching events and make them a very special experience for your participants!
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality is radically changing how we consume digital content. VR is used by companies, but also in research and teaching. In ExpLAB, a developer station and standalone VR glasses are available.
For students
With the help of virtual reality, you can experience your field of study up close: dealing with complex law issues; viewing ancient cultural monuments; diving into data sets to identify trends; improving process and organizational quality of (business-) models; working with trauma patients – all this and much more becomes possible through VR. Because of these diverse perspectives, there are countless research areas that you can explore for your term paper. Take advantage of an introductory training option and get started right away!
For teachers and researchers
Presentations
On a regular basis, the ExpLAB hosts lectures and talks related to the concept of the room. With its modular furniture it is the ideal venue for workshops. Use the huge screen for video conferencing and connect with speakers from all over the world.
Would you like to use the ExpLAB in teaching or for smaller tech-related public events, lectures, or talks?
Find more information in the factsheet (PDF, 100 KB) or contact us at explab.ubuni-mannheim.de.
