What is SpatialLab?
SpatialLab is the Research and Development (R&D) Laboratory at CENFOTEC University in Costa Rica. It is where interaction, immersion, and intelligence converge—a space for imagining, prototyping, and testing new ways for people to engage with technology. Here, ideas move from the whiteboard to prototypes, and from prototypes to experiences that can be seen, touched, and explored.
At SpatialLab, we investigate how people can interact with technology in more natural, expressive, and human-centered ways. To achieve this, we combine Extended Reality (XR)—including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. Our focus is not technology for its own sake, but on what it can enable when it is designed around the needs of the people who use it.
Our Mission
Our mission is to push the boundaries of XR, AI, and interactive experiences to create innovative, inclusive, and human-centered solutions. We are guided by a simple belief: the best technology is the technology that adapts to people—not the other way around. That is why every project begins with questions about people before questions about devices.
How We Work
We believe innovation thrives through interdisciplinary collaboration. At SpatialLab, computer science, psychology, design, and engineering come together because the challenges we address rarely have a single solution. This diversity of perspectives allows us to create technologies that are both cutting-edge and accessible.
Our process is grounded in research, rapid prototyping, and user testing. We learn from every iteration, allowing evidence—not trends—to guide our decisions.
Research Areas
Our work is organized around several research areas:
- Spatial Interaction: Exploring how XR and spatial computing can transform physical environments, from immersive museums and cultural heritage sites to adaptive workspaces.
- Education: Developing new ways of teaching and learning through immersive and interactive experiences that make complex concepts easier to understand.
- Accessibility: Designing technologies that remove barriers and expand access, ensuring digital experiences can be enjoyed by more people.
Join Us
Above all, SpatialLab is a laboratory that is constantly evolving. We invite you to explore our projects, follow the work we share on this blog, and reach out if you are interested in collaborating with us. If you are passionate about Extended Reality, Artificial Intelligence, or designing experiences that put people first, you have come to the right place.
