The Interactive Media Lab
The Interactive Media Lab at Griffith University is a research group dedicated to amplifying creativity through the design and development of interactive technologies. At the heart of our work lies a deep commitment to understanding and enhancing the ways in which humans interact with technology.
We strive to design intuitive and engaging user experiences that empower individual artistic expression, address important social issues, and enable co-creative partnerships between people, machines, and environments. We actively foster an inclusive and collaborative culture that encourages cross-pollination of ideas, sparking creativity and innovation.
Our multi-disciplinary staff and research students work together, combining their expertise and unique perspectives to tackle wicked problems and develop innovative solutions. We also engage in collaborations with industry partners, non-profit organisations, and other academic institutions to ensure our research has real-world impact.
Projects
Botanica Soundscapes
An ambient, self-guided sound walk through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Using the free Echoes app, visitors can explore geotagged music tracks that respond to location, offering a unique, immersive way to experience the gardens. Originally featured in Brisbane City Council’s Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside festival, the experience remains available online.
Chatterbox
An interactive audio-visual installation that lets visitors ‘play’ a sculptural instrument through movement and proximity. As you approach, abstract speech-like sounds shift from whispers to calls, accompanied by responsive light effects. Designed to foster connection even during times of distance, Chatterbox invites playful, sensory communication.
T.H.E.M.
A collection of human-powered sound sculptures transforming kinetic energy into electronic music and light. Comprising six unique instruments, T.H.E.M. can be played individually or as an ensemble, celebrating creativity, sustainability, and the joy of generating renewable energy through performance.
On Board Call
A hand-held, gesture-controlled device that synthesises wildlife calls, from birds to frogs, for in-field exploration or performance. Using sensors and a built-in speaker, the device responds to movement and touch, letting users create and interact with natural sounds in real time.
The Beat Machine
A collaborative 16-step sequencer and three-voice synthesizer by John Ferguson and Andrew Brown. Controlled via buttons, knobs, and an accelerometer, it was used to teach electronic instrument design at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, enabling students to create layered, interactive music.
