Brain Portal: Designing Multimedia Displays for Duke Neuroscience (2024-2025)
The Brain Portal project team set out to make the work of Duke neuroscientists more visible and accessible to the broader campus community, while also highlighting the visual and aesthetic appeal of brain structure and function. By combining expertise in neuroscience, design, engineering and media, the team developed creative ways to bring cutting-edge research out of the lab and into public view.
Students were divided into four subteams to develop interactive products for distinct digital platforms, each designed to engage the Duke community with immersive and educational experiences of the human brain.
The team ultimately presented four working prototypes:
- a large-scale digital display showcasing Duke Institute for Brain Sciences discoveries
- augmented reality brain experiences accessible via mobile devices across campus
- gamified, multi-touch learning tools for exploring brain anatomy
- a stereoscopic 3D brain model viewable that does not require a wearable device.
Some of the “portals” were put on display around campus, including in The Link and at the Levine Science Research Center, with future installations planned. Two of the projects will also be integrated into neuroscience courses and made available for self-guided learning in summer 2025 and beyond.
Learn more about this team’s work by reading their team profile.
Timing
Summer 2024 – Spring 2025
Team Outputs
Immersive multimedia display installations
Interactive educational products
Augmented reality experience of the human brain
Brain Portal: Designing Multimedia Displays for Duke Neuroscience (Interactive display presented at the Fortin Foundation Bass Connections Showcase, Duke University, April 16, 2025)
How can the Dynamic Field of Neuroscience be Accessible to Anyone at Duke? (Team profile)
Image: Composite image of The Cube, from the DIBS website, with brain imaging mockup added by Augustus Wendell.