Our research
Research at the cutting edge of immersive and interactive technology. Shaping how we create, learn and engage with digital worlds.
Our research areas
Deakin Motion Lab’s research program is organised around four areas addressing urgent questions in culture, technology, environment and society. Our practice Deakin Motion Lab works across four interconnected modes:
- Motion Capture — body, movement, performance and data as methods of analysis and creative inquiry
- Moving Image — film, documentary, animation, VR/XR and screen-based storytelling
- Transdisciplinary — research that connects art, science, education, health and technology
- Translational — work designed to create impact in communities, culture, industry and policy
These modes of practice are applied across four domains addressing urgent questions in culture, technology, environment and society.
Climate and environment
Creative and immersive research addressing climate resilience, ecological futures and environmental communication.
Creative intelligence and digital futures
Research into AI, digital literacy, generative media, virtual production and emerging screen cultures.
Country and cosmos
Projects connecting Indigenous knowledge, immersive storytelling and expanded understandings of place, astronomy and ecology.
Arts and performance
Research across performance, scenography, photography, cinema and responsive media environments.
Unlocking immersive experiences
Through local and global partnerships spanning art, science and industry, Deakin Motion Lab co-creates innovative projects that push the boundaries of storytelling and technology.
Feature research projects
Our local and international creative industry partnerships allow us to deliver cutting-edge solutions and experiences that make an impact. We lead bold initiatives that seek solutions beyond traditional research and organisational boundaries.
Passing Electrical Storms
This innovative immersive virtual reality art installation simulates the experience of dying, guiding participants from cardiac arrest through inner-body sensations to vast cosmic realms. Combining VR, biometrics and haptic feedback, it prompts reflection on mortality, consciousness and humanity’s place in the universe.
The Earth Above
This project is a collaborative effort between the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage and Deakin Motion Lab. It combines scientific research, Indigenous knowledge, immersive storytelling and participatory media to enhance public engagement and awareness of Australia’s ancient heritage and environmental past.
The Adaptation Game
This transmedia project developed a participatory game that simulates climate futures from 2–5°C warming in real and virtual settings. The game platform for community conversation that tests risks and responses, builds community preparedness and climate resilience. Since 2022, TAG has grown to 24 councils, across Australia, NZ and Canada.
A-Eye: Flapper Said
This multidisciplinary exhibition centred on an interactive AI based on footballer Les ‘Flapper’ Hughes. Visitors converse with the avatar in real time, exploring how AI constructs voice, memory and meaning, while raising questions about authorship, bias and human/machine relationships.
Our publications and research outputs
Take an in-depth look at our latest research, available in a variety of formats and publications. For a full list of publications visit the profile pages of our researchers. Latest publications:
Feminist Map Icons, New Cartographic Vocabularies
The Screens of Virtual Production: What is Real?
Participatory storyworld building for unlocking climate adaptation
