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.
Communication Design
Researchers in Communication Design develop ways to bring fresh design perspectives to surfaces, screens, and spaces.
Design for Social Innovation
Examine the myriad ways that design interacts with culture, society, technology, and the environment.
Fashion Design Technology
When technology intersects with fashion and textiles, we see cutting-edge results in science, sports, architecture, and aerospace.
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.
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.
Industrial Design
Researchers in industrial design investigate experiences and products that affect human and environmental wellbeing.
Media Design
Develop a critical understanding of the role of design in complex media environments and designed channels for communication.
Te Ao Hurihuri
Find out about research and practice in design by tangata whenua with a focus on mātauranga Māori and kaupapa Māori research.
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 morePhD research
Current PhD research
Meet a selection of PhD students in the Wellington School of Design Innovation and learn about their research.
View current researchPast PhD students
Read about the theses of students who have completed their PhDs.
View past research