Sylvia C. Pont

Sylvia C. Pont is a Professor in the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), where she leads the Perceptual Intelligence Lab (π-lab). Her work uniquely bridges perception science and design, focusing on multisensory experiences in real-world contexts.

Her research interests center on Perceptual Intelligence, particularly the science and application of light, materials, and their interactions with shape and space. She pioneers methods in ecological optics and perception-based lighting design. Her work spans disciplines including human-centered design, visual perception, and sensory experience design.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in understanding how illumination affects perception—ranging from illusory motion to environmental lighting variability and light-material interactions. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates vision science, design, and human factors, often applied in healthcare, computing systems, and art.

• Associate Editor, Journal of Vision
• Coordinator of Master’s elective course: Lighting Design
• Teaches in human factors and multisensory design

She has supervised 9 academic works and contributes actively to public discourse through media and public lectures. Her research is supported by extensive datasets and collaborations across institutions.

She is involved in lab leadership (π-lab), interdisciplinary research teams, and international conferences such as Dagstuhl Seminar and CHI. Her work continues to advance the integration of perceptual science into intelligent and human-centered design systems.