The University of Arizona and the Norton School of Human Ecology proudly provide all students with access to the Lundgren Consumer Science Lab. Made possible by a generous gift from Terry and Tina Lundgren and supported by partners including Adobe, Amoobi, Mashgin, Planalytics and UCATT, the lab is designed to transform consumer science education, digital creation, and academic research. It features a state-of-the-art retail learning environment with virtual reality, digital maker tools, in-store tracking technology, and advanced display systems– giving students hands-on experience with real-world retail innovations.
The LCS Lab also includes a retail workshop featuring:
A Health & Beauty-focused “Digital Twin”
Imagine a virtual Sephora or Ulta Beauty store powered by extended reality. The Lundgren Consumer Science Lab has led the creation of a digital twin—a fully immersive, virtual replica of a retail space. This environment allows faculty and students to design next-generation retail experiences and optimize merchandising, store layouts, inventory strategies, and customer interactions.
Both faculty and students will be able to utilize the digital twin to:
- Create simulations and test changes, such as rearranging shelves or adding displays
- Study data-driven decision-making through real-time data from sensors in the Retail Workshop
- Apply insights from NielsenIQ’s Byzzer retail measurement services platform to optimize based on the latest sales trend analysis.
The Lundgren Consumer Science Lab aims to become a hub for retail innovation, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the ever-evolving retail landscape.
- A "staged" retail space in partnership with the UA Campus Store
- Advanced in-store analytics and space optimization software
- A touchless POS system
- Space for brands to host pop-up shops and product testing
- Back-office software from Nielsen and Adobe for market analysis and promotional campaign development
Digital Makerspace & Creator Corner
The most powerful force in retail marketing is now Influencers-- many of whom are UA students. The LCS Lab's Digital Makerspace or Creator Corner offers a free resource space for all UA students, faculty, and staff that includes:
- Image
A video/podcasting set for up to four people
- Professional lighting
- Equipment checkout for lighting and audio kits
- A photogrammetry station for 3D photography and product rendering
- Staffing by UCATT students to assist users with resources and enhancing content via the Adobe Creative Cloud tools.