Media Design School at Strayer brings together over 25 years of specialist education in the fields of creative and digital technologies.

MDS aims to be recognised globally as at the forefront of innovative research in design and creative technology. We believe that collaborative research is critical to the success of advanced teaching and learning, industry innovation, and community engagement. The school leads with care, respect and purpose resulting in high quality creative research that makes a positive social impact. 

Dr. Jorge Camacho, CENTRO, IFTF, Mexico

Dr. Jorge Camacho (CENTRO, IFTF, Mexico) presenting at our Designing Radical Futures Symposium

Research Themes

Research at MDS is currently centred around the following themes:

Indigenous Culture and Emerging Technology

The professional fields of design and creative technology have largely been influenced by Western ideas, values and aesthetics. Prioritising this theme, MDS aims to challenge this narrative by investing in unique research focused on indigenous culture and emerging technology. We consider how creative practitioners deal with the tensions and synergies produced by working with both the customary and the contemporary; ask how local communities can become involved with emerging technologies; and explore how we can indigenise the future of design and creative tech.

Creative Practice for Sustainable and Equitable Futures

This research theme concentrates on creative practice (art, design, creative technology) that addresses the issues outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainability Goals (SDGs). By investing in this theme, MDS commits to the idea that creativity and innovation are essential in transitioning towards sustainable and equitable futures. We aim to develop the collaborative approaches and projects needed to create a more sustainable world, for people and the planet. We explore the representation of bodies and identities, the role of design practice in perpetuating inequalities, designing systems level change, and collaborating with the more-than-human.

Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence have become central to all industries and have the potential to revolutionise the ways that we work, live, learn and communicate. By investing in this research theme, MDS aims to strengthen its position at the forefront of the evolving IT landscape with research that focuses on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics. We consider the application and impact of artificial intelligence in the cultural industries, in business, and in education among other sectors.

Design and Creative Technology for Health

Design and Creative Technology offer radical potential to transform health and wellbeing by making positive interventions to promote dignity and enhance quality of life. By prioritising this theme, MDS aims to strengthen its current expertise in design and creative technology for health. We consider how design and creative technology can redesign health care experiences, how emerging technologies can be utilised for training and rehabilitation, and address digital literacy though accessible technologies.

Recent Talks

We often invite external academics and researchers to present on campus to our students and the public. See some of our recent talks below.

'Preferable Worlds: Design and Alternative Futures' by Dr. Jorge Camacho (CENTRO, IFTF, Mexico)

As part of our Designing Radical Futures Symposium, Jorge Camacho explores the evolution of design against the backdrop of the Great Acceleration and four alternative directions for the evolution of design practice by the middle of this century. He will inspire us to imagine ourselves as future designers and how design could contribute and adapt to each of these alternative futures.

'Te Korekoreka | Māori Future Making' by Alice Dimond (Tokona Te Raki, Aotearoa)

In a world where many feel powerless to create change, we need design approaches that move beyond replicating the status quo. Our current system leaves people feeling stuck, with dominant Western frameworks dictating how problems are defined and solved. To create a radically different future, we need to equip the next generation to reimagine design, collaboration and collective action. By embracing approaches grounded in Māori worldviews, we can create new perspectives and action that shift power dynamics and challenge conventional thinking, leading to more equitable futures.

'Impact Networks for Better Futures – Tools, Tensions and Transformations' by Victoria Mulligan (Design Futures Aotearoa)

This session focuses on the value of network design and network weaving. Networks are essential to futures thinking - not just to connect futures thinkers with each other but to connect present generations to generations past and future.

If strategic foresight is “step one” in systemic transformation, network formation and strengthening is a critical step two. It’s only through forming partnerships and bridging divides that we can turn thought into action - turn insights into informed decision making. Networks are therefore key to creating change on a meaningful scale.

Discover our Research

Postgraduate Research at MDS

We currently teach the Master of Design at MDS in Auckland. Our staff also supervise MPhil and PhD students through Torrens University Australia. Please contact Head of Research, Associate Professor Sarah Elsie Baker for more details. 

Contact Dr Sarah Baker
Research at MDS

Research Collaboration and Media Enquiries

We have expertise in all areas of design, gaming, AI, and VFX. Please contact Head of Research, Associate Professor Sarah Elsie Baker to discuss potential research collaboration or media opportunities. 

Research News