Background

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, the intersection of consumer behavior and emerging technologies presents a unique and transformative area of study. The extended consumer behavior (XCB) lab is dedicated to exploring how the integration of technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, avatars, and virtual reality (VR), reshapes consumer behavior across various decision-making processes and consumption environments. By examining these technologically extended interactions, the lab seeks to understand the implications of these innovations on consumer choices, preferences, and overall experiences.

The convergence of AI and robotics has already begun to redefine traditional consumer roles and behaviors. AI-powered algorithms influence everything from personalized recommendations to dynamic pricing strategies, while robots are increasingly deployed in customer service, retail environments, and even home settings, offering new levels of interaction and convenience. These technologies are not merely tools; they actively shape the modern consumer's journey, altering how decisions are made and how products and services are consumed.

Avatars and VR further extend these possibilities by creating immersive and interactive environments that challenge the boundaries of physical and digital spaces. Avatars, representing consumers in virtual worlds, enable novel forms of engagement and personalization, fostering deeper emotional connections with brands and products. VR, on the other hand, provides consumers with rich, multi-sensory experiences that can simulate real-world settings or create entirely new environments for exploration and decision-making.

This research initiative is driven by the recognition that as consumers interact with these technologies, their behaviors, expectations, and decision-making processes evolve. The lab's focus is not only on understanding these changes but also on anticipating future trends and implications. By examining consumer behavior in technologically extended environments, the lab aims to provide valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and technology developers, helping to shape the future of consumer interaction in an increasingly digital world.

The research conducted within this lab is interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as psychology, marketing, human-computer interaction, and data science. It is through this multifaceted approach that the lab aims to unravel the complexities of consumer behavior in the age of technology, offering a comprehensive understanding of how emerging innovations are transforming the consumer landscape.