Dr Francisca Rodriguez Leonard

Biography

Dr. Francisca Rodriguez advocates for simplifying lighting technologies and restoring control to people's lives. With the increasing time spent indoors contributing to a range of health issues and a loss of control in the physical adaptation of our living spaces, she is committed to developing functional, user-friendly, and sustainable lighting environments. Dr. Rodriguez firmly believes that the lighting solutions of the future should be grounded in cutting-edge research and developed collaboratively with end-users.

Dr. Rodriguez specialises in dynamic lighting and its profound impact on human well-being and interaction. From enhancing alertness, cognition, and sleep quality to alleviating stress, she explores the multifaceted effects of lighting within interior spaces. Drawing upon over a decade of experience as a senior lighting designer and her active research within the QUT Human-Building Interaction group, Dr. Rodriguez integrates insights from behavioral, physiological, and social research into her practice. Her aim is to translate this wealth of knowledge into spatial experiences and lighting solutions that prioritise user comfort and satisfaction.

Dr. Rodriguez uses advanced technologies for developing physical prototypes and immersive virtual environments. By replicating real-world lighting scenarios and employing sophisticated tools like biometric sensors and eye-tracking devices, she strives to refine our understanding of human experiences and interactions with light. Through a collaborative approach that embraces participatory design methods, Dr. Rodriguez seeks to shape the future of ambient intelligences in ways that resonate with diverse user preferences and needs.