The Digital Design Studio (DDS) is a postgraduate research and commercial centre of Glasgow School of Art. Its intense learning and research environment exploits the interface between science, technology and the arts to explore imaginative and novel uses of advanced 3D digital visualisation and interaction technologies. Research activity at the DDS is underpinned by one and two year masters degrees and a growing Ph.D. community.

The DDS is dedicated to developing ways in which people can engage and interact with data and emerging digital visualisation systems. Learning, research, commercialisation and knowledge transfer in the DDS is therefore not characterised by traditional subject areas but concentrates on the ways in which computer tools and interfaces can be developed for visualisation and improved human computer interaction across the arts and sciences.

The uniqueness of the DDS lies in its ability to take leading edge technologies and apply them in novel and imaginative ways to stimulate new business growth as well as create new knowledge and lower access barriers to technology. Its imaginative use of technology provides solutions to specific research questions and commercial challenges.

DDS research and commercial activities have established a valuable IP portfolio and provide licensing income and spin-out opportunities. These activities are well aligned with the Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise strategies for a "Smart Successful Scotland".

EDUCATION

Masters education in animation comprises two linked programmes enabling graduates from a wide range of backgrounds to gain knowledge of advanced digital techniques. Employment success is high; previous graduates have gone to work with companies such as Sony International, Nokia, Ragdoll Productions, Rockstar Games, DMA Design, Peugeot Citroen, and the DDS.

The DDS supports a community of academic staff, PhD and MPhil researchers. Current subjects of study include: an anthropological study of cultural influences in Second Life, the development of animations aimed at resolving cultural conflicts (in this case, in Cyprus), the generation of 3d aural simulations of concert halls and other performance spaces, the use of animation to explore the representation of the face in Thai culture, the role of computer science in an arts school, the automation of traditional arts techniques and the processes involved in archaeological reconstruction using 3d computer models. The academic staff at DDS play a very active role in the wider, rapidly expanding Glasgow School of Art post-graduate research scene and learning and teaching process development.

DDS research activities revolve around 3D visualisation, 3D sound, speech recognition, haptics (touch), gesture-based interaction and camera-based tracking to explore the potential of multi-sensory participation in the fields of architecture, automotive industry, defence, education, environment, games and entertainment, heritage, medicine and ship design.

The DDS has been successful in securing research funding from SFC, EPSRC, AHRC, NESTA, and the EU. In addition it has completed a Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept (PoC) and a Knowledge Transfer Partnership. It was successful in winning an RCUK Academic Fellowship in 2006.

COMMERCIAL

The DDS has a large portfolio of projects with business and industry in Scotland, the UK and Europe, centred on expertise in real-time 3D visualisation, 3D sound, modelling and animation. It includes work for Glasgow City Council (Glasgow Urban Model), Clydebank Rebuilt (Titan crane), QinetiQ (visualising innovative vessel design), Thales (Future Infantry Soldier programme), James Fisher Defence (Submarine Rescue Service), and the BBC (real-time virtual model for BBC Scotland's new headquarters). It has also been successful in growing its CPD activities providing specially tailored courses to industry, academic and local government.

DDS at Pacific Quay

Since its inception, DDS has grown rapidly and in summer 2009 relocated to new, dedicated premises at Pacific Quay (already home to the Glasgow Science Centre, BBC Scotland and the Scottish Media Group). The new building, The Hub, houses some of Europe's largest laboratory space for virtual reality, immersive stereo visualization and high resolution display facilities. Laboratory space at The Hub also includes a high specification visualization and auralisation laboratory (Soundlab) run as a joint venture between ARUP Acoustics and DDS.

The Hub also provides an expanded academic and training studio environment and supports both commercial and research project development, including the development of skills for digital media employers.

Contact:  Professor Paul Anderson, Director
+44 (0) 141 566 1478
p.anderson@gsa.ac.uk