by David Nelson, Director, Mixed Reality (MxR) Lab
As we prepare to wrap up another remarkable year and head into a well-deserved Winter Break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible accomplishments of the MxR Lab team in 2024.
This year, we tackled ambitious projects that pushed the boundaries of XR User Interface & Experience Design, Immersive Story-Based Learning, Spatial Data Visualization, Adaptive HCI, and Generative AI Content Creation. From training and operations to education and entertainment, we demonstrated the impact of rapid prototyping and human-centered design, conducting innovative research to benefit the Department of Defense and society at large.
Highlights from our work this year include:
Asynchronous Annotation Embedded Environments (A2E2): Researching the advanced capability to embed geo-specific, world-fixed information into environments, to enable improved situational awareness and decision-making.
Adaptive HMD Interfaces (AHMDI): Prototyping the use of adaptive user interfaces for head-mounted displays to help warfighters navigate the deluge of data in modern operational environments.
Leaders Enhanced & Applied Doctrine System (LEADS): Using interactive narrative and scenario-based learning to enhance comprehension and mastery of Army doctrine in the MDO domain.
Watercraft and Ship Simulator of the Future (WSSOF): Developing a hyper-realistic, portable ship simulator for Multi-Domain Operations in maritime environments.
Digital Interactive Victim Intake Simulator (DIVIS): A “flight simulator” for SARCs and VAs, enabling trainees to practice realistic and emotional victim intake interviews with digital victims, improving interpersonal communication skills and standardizing training
None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication, talent, and collaboration of our extraordinary interdisciplinary team. To everyone in the MxR Lab, our partners at the Army Research Lab, ERDC, the Army SHARP Academy and the subject matter experts across the Department of Defense who lent their expertise, thank you for your hard work, creativity, and passion.
As we head into 2025, we are excited to continue pushing the limits of innovation and creating technologies that will empower and inspire the next generation of warfighters, learners, and leaders.
Have a restful and joyful Winter Break, and we’ll see you in the new year, ready to build the future together!
David Nelson
Director, MxR Lab