Inside McDSL’s Experimental Suite, you’ll find a cutting-edge environment designed for precision and innovation in research. The suite features 34 high-powered, advanced graphics, networked participant computers, along with several administrative computers to facilitate controlled experiments. Twenty-two of these computers are placed around the perimeter of the spacious 650 sq. ft. suite, with an additional 12 computers in the middle of the room. Each workstation has partitions on both sides to ensure privacy and independent decision-making.

Enhancing the suite’s functionality, large 60″ 4K monitors are mounted on each side wall, equipped with wirelessly accessible micro-computers for displaying instructions, websites, or other materials. One of these monitors also includes an HD webcam for additional versatility.

The technical design and creation of the Experimental Suite are backed by McMaster University’s 25-year legacy of expertise in conducting decision experiments, ensuring a robust and sophisticated research environment.

Mobility-related accommodations

Two of the 34 computer stations at the McMaster Decision Science Laboratory (McDSL) are wheelchair accessible. These are the first two stations as you enter McDSL.

Vision-related accommodations

Low-vision disabilities can be accommodated at all 34 stations by increasing substantially the display size on any of the computer monitors. We also typically print out the instructions, allowing participants to read from the printout at their own pace and at whatever distance they need. In addition, we also have a policy of reading aloud the instructions for participants after they have first completed reading them on their own. Finally, each station is equipped with a headset. Some studies allow AI to read aloud the computerized instructions for the participant, and to pause them as needed. If this feature is essential for your participation, please contact the researcher in charge of the study by email to ask.

Location: L.R. Wilson Hall, room 5010.

McDSL boasts a state-of-the-art Focus Group Room, perfect for both small and large group observational studies. The room features modular, flexible furniture that can be arranged to accommodate groups ranging from 6 to 20 people, making it highly versatile for any seating configuration. Located on the top floor of LR Wilson Hall, the room’s five 4-meter high windows offer scenic views of downtown Hamilton and the surrounding area, arguably the best on McMaster campus.

This 500 sq ft space is equipped with cutting-edge technical infrastructure, including high-speed 2.4/5GHz WiFi and secured 1Gbps wired network connections. Four strategically placed HD wall cameras and microphones ensure comprehensive coverage, all controlled by a custom computer system in the adjacent Viewing Room, which features a one-way glass mirror. A large 60″ 4K wall monitor, complete with an advanced wirelessly controlled micro-computer, allows researchers to display information and participate in webinars using the attached 4K webcam.

Additional amenities include a small hospitality refrigerator and a commercial-grade beverage machine, with catered food services available for our industry partners. Simply put, this is the most advanced facility of its kind in the region.

Location: L.R. Wilson Hall, rooms 5006 & 5007.

McDSL also features two small, private Interview Rooms, each 100 sq ft, perfect for conducting and recording interviews. These rooms are equipped with wall-mounted HD cameras and ceiling microphones, ensuring high-quality recordings. Designed for intimate, private settings, they allow researchers to engage with one or two participants comfortably. The rooms are furnished with cozy, round lounge chairs and a coffee table, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Beyond their use as interview spaces, the furniture can be removed to transform the rooms into ideal environments for Virtual Reality research. McDSL is equipped with four HTC Vive headsets with Deluxe Audio, and each room is prepped with laser-tracking beacons. Researchers can utilize our extremely powerful VR computers—among the most advanced on campus—to immerse participants in any virtual environment imaginable.

Location: L.R. Wilson Hall, rooms 5008 & 5009.