Our Research
We research, experiment, prototype, speculate, conceptualise, develop strategies, create knowledge and share knowledge of specific topics.
We relentlessly pursue thought-provoking questions, share our findings and discoveries, embrace openness and collaboration and aim to foster a dynamic learning community. We encourage like-minded collaborators to join us.
We own research topics individually and share our research via Notion Workspaces.
Focus: psychedelics+ creativity, physical/digital settings, virtual/augmented technologies, and user experience.
Creativity
How do psychedelics enhance creative processes and cognitive abilities, and what is the potential impact on human creativity, cognition, and innovation?
Image created with Photoshop and DALL·E
Setting
How can intentional design choices in physical and digital settings for psychedelic experiences optimise their therapeutic and transformative potential, considering factors such as comfort, aesthetics, nature-inspired elements, immersive digital environments, user-friendly interfaces, and audiovisual stimulation?
Image created with Photoshop and DALL·E
Emerging tech – VR/AR/MR/AI
What are the potential impact and ethical considerations of integrating Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and recreational psychedelic use, and how can these technologies enhance therapeutic outcomes, experiences, and user well-being?
Image created with Photoshop and DALL·E
User Experience
How can user experience (UX) design impact the effectiveness and engagement of psychedelic digital products, and how can UX designers create intuitive, safe, and transformative interfaces that meet the evolving needs of psychedelic users?
Image created with Photoshop and DALL·E
Published work
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Do women respond differently to psychedelics than men? And, if so, how are their needs different when approaching these powerful substances?
While crucial research is still limited to help us understand how and why the psychedelic experience might vary vastly among genders, the rise of female-only retreats, clinical settings, and thoughtfully designed psychedelic products and services, are helping provide women safer, more inclusive, and empowering psychedelic experiences.
Alexandra Plesner | Psychedelics Today | January, 2024
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As this topic of the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin-containing mushrooms gains mainstream attention, it becomes crucial to emphasize the importance of accessible education.
Alexandra Plesner | Psychedelic Spotlight | September, 2023
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The combined application of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and virtual, mixed, and augmented reality tools can create a unique set and setting that enhances the therapeutic experience and outcomes.
Alexandra Plesner | Psychedelic Spotlight | April, 2023
https://psychedelicspotlight.com/applications-of-ar-and-vr-in-psychedelic-assisted-therapy/
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On track to become a treatment for mental illnesses, growing research shows how psychedelics might also enhance creativity and concentration.
Alexandra Plesner | Proto.Life | July, 2022
https://proto.life/2022/07/7-ways-psychedelics-impact-creative-thinking/