ABOUT THE LAB
THE FULL STORY
The experimental game lab was formed in 2020 as an cross-institutional interdisciplinary research initiative. Our team is committed to broadening our understanding of game design by investigating games as culturally significant artifacts. Our goal is to explore exciting and unique approaches to game design which provide new insight for designers of entertainment experiences.
The lab started as a group of like-minded game designers and academics with a commitment to improvement through experimentation, iteration, and collaboration. We are committed to expanding the range of experiences possible in games and beyond.
OUR TEAM
Creative Experimental Minds
DR. JUSTIN CARTER
Director - Researcher
Justin Carter is a lecturer, game designer and researcher. Justin is the founder of the experimental games lab. Justin currently coordinates the Bachelor of Design (Game Design) at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC).
DR. ROSS MCLENNAN
Project & Research Supervisor
Dr Ross McLennan is a composer, songwriter, media and entertainment academic. Research outputs include papers on music and sound design for screen media, the nature of creativity, music and the emotions and work-integrated learning and innovation within the creative industries.
DR. CHRIS CARTER
Project & Research Supervisor
Dr Chris Carter is a Senior Lecturer in Screen Media focusing on research in Animation, Games and Visual Effects production. He has a professional background in multimedia production and game design.
DR. CHRIS WORFOLD
Researcher
Chris Worfold is senior lecturer, artists and researcher. Chris has an extensive exhibition history and has exhibited internationally in Taipei, Seoul, Paris and New York.
DR. ZAC FITZ-WALTER
Project & Research Supervisor
Over the last decade Zac has helped design and build over 30 digital products including apps and serious games for individuals, businesses, governments and research institutions. Zac has educated governments and companies around the world on effective gamification and behaviour change design through workshops, online masterclasses, and speaking engagements.
DR. JOSHUA HALL
Researcher
Josh specialises in User Experience Design, Qualitative & Quantitative Research, (Simulation, AR, VR, Mobile, Smart Glasses), Training, Skills Development, Serious Games, Transport & Logistics, Agriculture, Biosecurity, Safety, Food Processing
HENRY SUN
Researcher
Henry Sun is a researcher and lecturer in games and interactive design. Henry is passionate about experimental 3D design. Henry has previous experience in animation and design of 3D characters for games and film.
DR. JOEL BENNETT
Post-Doctoral Fellow Researcher
Joel Bennett is a lecturer and researcher in game design. Joel has experience working on an international research project that investigated new user-centered concepts and production solutions for mixed reality, virtual reality, and sensor-based performance in live productions.