Innovator Spotlight: Dr. Farzan Badaran Rahimi
When you think of pioneers in the field of immersive technologies, names like Palmer Luckey or Tim Sweeney might come to mind. But right here in Alberta, we have our own visionary pushing the boundaries of what's possible with immersive technology. Dr. Farzan Badaran Rahimi is an Assistant Professor of Design and Founding Director of Immersive Learning Institute at MacEwan University, and Canada Research Chair in Immersive Learning, whose interdisciplinary approach is shaping the future of immersive learning.
Dr. Rahimi's path to specializing in immersive technologies is anything but conventional. With a background in engineering and design, he ventured into the world of computational design for his Ph.D.—an interdisciplinary program that melds architecture, art, design, learning sciences, and computer science.
"I was lucky to work with many people coming from various backgrounds," Dr. Rahimi reflects. "That helped me view complex issues that often require insights from multiple areas of knowledge from an interdisciplinary perspective."
His fascination with the intersection of cutting-edge technology and human experience began during his undergraduate studies. This curiosity naturally led him to explore virtual reality (VR) and its potential for immersive learning. Today, his research focuses on developing immersive learning strategies and technologies that not only leverage immersive technologies but also integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and reality capture technologies.
While many in the industry focus on XR (extended reality) in isolation, Dr. Rahimi emphasizes the importance of integrating multiple technologies to enhance user experiences.
In one of his edutainment-focused projects, he discovered that using XR technology combined with AI characters in a virtual environment empowers people to take agency over what they want to learn, especially in informal settings like museums.
"Such integrative approaches can help people better engage, retain, and recognize," Dr. Rahimi notes.
One of Dr. Rahimi's most compelling projects is a collaboration with colleagues at the Université Laval in Quebec City. The team is pioneering a platform that combines deep learning, virtual reality and reality capture technologies to create immersive learning experiences centered around digital and cultural heritage.
"We use a combination of 360-degree cameras and deep learning to create immersive environments that replicate real historic buildings," he explains. "People can navigate through them, explore every nook and cranny, and learn interactively about the cultural values these buildings hold."
This technology has profound implications beyond education. It offers a means to preserve and reconstruct historic sites that have been damaged or destroyed due to war or natural disasters in an agile manner. Imagine walking through the halls of a centuries-old cathedral that no longer exists, learning about its history as if you were there.
When asked about the future of immersive technologies, Dr. Rahimi's eyes light up. He believes we're on the cusp of significant advancements that will make XR more accessible and integrated into our daily lives.
"Devices are getting lighter and more natural to use," he says, holding up a pair of sleek smart glasses. "In the future, we might see experiences unfold using implants like Neuralink. There will be many changes in the way we work and learn with technology."
He recalls the evolution from the bulky Oculus DK1, filled with cables, to today's standalone devices like the Meta Quest 3, which are lighter, more powerful, and easier to use.
"As we go on, the technology will mature. Devices will become lighter, the quality will improve, and computational power will increase," Dr. Rahimi predicts. "We might even see implants or wearables become mainstream, interacting seamlessly with extended reality."
As an educator, Dr. Rahimi is well aware of the controversies surrounding new technologies like AI and their impact on learning and creativity. However, he views these technologies as tools that can enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.
"When ChatGPT was released, there was a lot of controversy," he recalls. "But as we go on, we see that it's a tool that doesn't necessarily replace a human being. You still need a good idea, good research, and good strategy."
He draws a parallel to the initial resistance to software like AutoCAD in architectural design. "Today, no one designs a building without using a computer. These tools are just another addition to our toolkit."
Dr. Rahimi is optimistic about Alberta's contribution to the development and innovation of immersive technologies. He acknowledges the province's investment in technology and the collaborative efforts between universities, industries, and communities.
"Government can facilitate the process of multidisciplinary work across universities and agencies," he suggests. "Initiatives like ELIXR Simulations are great examples of bringing academia and industry together."
He also highlights Alberta's potential for leveraging clean energy sources like solar and wind power to support tech startups focused on cutting-edge technologies.
"Clean energy and free energy mean a lot to these startups," he says. "We can use that power to support different sectors of technology."
For students and young professionals eager to dive into the world of immersive technology, Dr. Rahimi offers heartfelt advice:
"Value your ideas. Every idea, even those that seem not mature at the beginning, can lead to something significant if you put in the effort. Don't assume that something small lackse the potential to make a big impact in the future."
It's clear that Dr. Farzan Badaran Rahimi is more than just a researcher; he's a visionary committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in immersive learning. Now, Dr. Rahimi is leading a team of students in a project with ELIXR in partnership with the Telus World of Science in Edmonton, Alberta, to create enhanced immersive learning experiences for visitors.
With leaders like Dr. Rahimi at the forefront, the future of immersive technology looks not just promising but downright exciting. Whether it's preserving cultural heritage through VR or integrating AI into learning experiences, one thing is certain: we're only at the beginning of what's possible.
