Exploring human behaviour at the Social Science Research Park
We are a community driven by expertise, creativity, curiosity, and entrepreneurship.
Book the facilityThe Social Science Research Park (SPARK) Behavioural Lab is a purpose-built facility designed to advance understanding of human cognition and behaviour in social, organisational, and consumer settings.
It brings together specialist equipment, controlled environments and interdisciplinary expertise to support high-quality behavioural research and experimentation.
Workstation lab
24 screened cubicles with laptops for medium- to large-scale behavioural experiments, online tasks, surveys and training.
Focus group lab
A space for up to 12 participants with high-quality audio-visual recording and video-conferencing facilities, ideal for group decision-making studies and qualitative research.
Eye-tracking lab
Our specialisms include musculoskeletal, biomechanical, and biomedical engineering research.
“The Behavioural Lab is a hub for industry collaboration across sectors to explore human behaviour. This is a space designed for creativity, accuracy, and exploration. Together, we can understand how people and systems really work and create smarter, fairer, and more sustainable solutions.”
— Professor Chris Taylor, Academic Director SPARK
The SPARK Behavioural Lab includes three core spaces:
Workstation Lab– 24 screened cubicles with laptops for medium to large-scale behavioural experiments, online tasks, surveys and training.
Focus Group Lab– a boardroom-style space for up to 12 participants, equipped with high-quality audio-visual recording and video-conferencing facilities, ideal for group decision-making studies and qualitative research.
Eye Tracking Lab – two dedicated workstations for measuring attentional and perceptual responses to visual materials, including digital content, product design and communications.
These spaces are supported by a central Control Room for real-time monitoring, and a comfortable Waiting Area for participants.
Businesses can work with the Behavioural Lab to test products, refine services, evaluate messaging, or explore consumer and workforce behaviour. The Lab supports tailored study design, data collection and collaborative research with academic experts. Commercial hire is available, and SPARK can advise on designing projects that generate actionable insight.
Social Science Research Park
SPARK is community driven by expertise, creativity, curiosity, and entrepreneurship.
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