Research

Research is a vital and exciting part of what we do at the School of Design Innovation. Find out about our talented researchers and their fields of expertise.

We have a vibrant research community of academic staff, external and industry partners, and Master’s and PhD students. Our postgraduate students work closely with staff and industry collaborators on research projects that address a wide range of contemporary design challenges.

Areas of research

Find out about the supervising staff, research groups, and study options available in our main research areas.

Room with 6 exhibits hung from the ceiling

Communication Design

Practitioners and researchers in Communication Design speak the language of culture: dynamic, expressive, and visual
Black and white image of age rings on sliced tree trunk

Design for Social Innovation

Examine the myriad ways that design interacts with culture, society, technology, and the environment.
A ballerina in a luminous dress lit with blue fluorescent lighting

Fashion Design Technology

When technology intersects with fashion and textiles, we see cutting-edge results in science, sports, architecture, and aerospace.
Abstract montage of dark brown images

Film, Animation, and Visual Effects

Blend your creativity with emerging technologies and learn how to bring stories to life through film, animation, and visual effects.
A person sitting on a computer generated island floating in blue space with the words icarus and start game and quit game to the left of the island.

Game design

Game Design looks at the practice of game design and development, exploring the medium and the variety of ways in which it can engage an audience.
Close up of bright green organic shape against black background

Industrial Design

Researchers in industrial design investigate experiences and products that affect human and environmental wellbeing.
Multiple letter A in different fonts on white background

Media Design

Develop a critical understanding of the role of design in complex media environments and designed channels for communication.
Mataiki flags at the Wellington Harbourside 2019 by David Hakaraia

Te Ao Hurihuri

Find out about research and practice in design by tangata whenua with a focus on mātauranga Māori and kaupapa Māori research.
Colourful shiny objects that look like decorative pieces

User Experience and Interaction Design

Understand the identity of users and learn how to create the designs with which they interact. 

Research news

Keep up to date with the latest news and research developments from the School of Design Innovation.

Find out more

Cumulus Association

School of Design Innovation is a member of the Cumulus Association–the leading global association to serve art and design education and research.

PhD research

Current PhD research

Meet a selection of PhD students in the Wellington School of Design Innovation and learn about their research.

View current research

Past PhD students

Read about the theses of students who have completed their PhDs.

View past research