This approach is relatively new to Aotearoa, so with this conference, New Zealand-based researchers will be able to learn from the international community.”
Real-world impact
A lot of this impactful research and development is already underway through UC’s Human Interface Technology Laboratory (HIT Lab NZ) and its Applied Immersive Gaming Initiative (AIGI), the School of Product Design, and teachings available through the University’s Bachelor of Digital Screen (Hons).
“Many people think of games as just a form of entertainment, but there is a whole branch of game design dedicated to ‘Applied Games’ and ‘Serious Games’ which leverage the engaging, entertaining, and motivational nature of games to help people understand complex problems, interact and empathise with others within the experience and story of the game, while working to find solutions to complex problems through defined rules,” Says Acting Head of UC’s School of Product Design, Associate Professor Adrian Clark.