Research at RMIT School of Design leverages creative critical practice to explore futures that are diverse, sustainable, equitable and inspiring. Our world class* group of researchers traverse the disciplines of communication, industrial and digital design to engage pressing contemporary challenges in urban futures, social innovation, information systems, material cultures and health. These interdisciplinary research areas share values that emphasise social justice, thoughtful design action and a critical engagement with place and culture.
* ranked 5 ★, 1st in Southern Hemisphere and 19th in the world for Art and Design (World University Rankings 2023)
Our preferred mode of research inquiry is through collaboration with external research partners and end users. We undertake collaborative projects that range in scale from studios, where students and industry partners engage in speculative design prototyping, to Australian Research Council funded projects, national Collaborative Research Centres and global partnerships. Based in Melbourne Australia, we operate internationally through RMIT locations in Vietnam and Spain as well as through wider networks within Asia, Europe and North America.
The Care-full Design Lab looks at the care-full transformational power of design in health and wellbeing, future-making, and the co-creation of inclusive, sustainable, and playful cities.
The Spatial Information Architecture Laboratory (SIAL) Sound Studios are devoted to auditory-based research, teaching and practice.
Design and Social Innovation in Asia-Pacific (DESIAP) is a platform, network and a community of practice for various practitioners, communities and professionals working in the Social Innovation space in this region.
The Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre aims to improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries.
RMIT School of Design has an internationally renowned higher degree by research (HDR) program supporting practice and thesis research across the disciplines of Communication, Digital and Industrial Design. Our leadership in creative practice research undertaken through practice-led and project based approaches supports reflective, generative and applied practice; while thesis based research supports enquiry though philosophical, historical, experimental and field studies. HDR activity is central to the intellectual life of the School of Design. HDR scholars work in close collaboration with their supervisory team, a rich community of colleagues throughout the School and University, as well as broader industry partners to in pursuit of new knowledge and ways of practicing and thinking about design.
The School offers both PhD and Masters by Research programs to support candidates at different stages of their research career.
Prospective HDR applicants should review the School’s Guidelines for Prospective Applicants, the RMIT Find a Project page, and How to apply for research programs.
School of Design Higher Degrees by Research: Coordinator, Assoc Prof James Oliver (j.oliver@rmit.edu.au).
Board game confronts the ‘ickiness’ of gut health
Researchers are using the play-based approach of board games to improve our understanding of gastrointestinal health.
Redefining practice-based research in Europe
RMIT’s game-changing PhD program that’s shifting the concept of industry embedded research in Europe recently returned to Barcelona for its biannual Practice Research Symposium Europe (PRS Europe).
Australia’s only First Nations led agency dedicated to representing First Nations illustrators and artists has been created by two RMIT academics.
Arcade games take the controls on South Melbourne’s post-COVID plan
Classic arcade games have been reimagined along Clarendon Street in South Melbourne as part of an urban activation project between RMIT’s Future Play Lab and the City of Port Phillip.
Board game confronts the ‘ickiness’ of gut health
Researchers are using the play-based approach of board games to improve our understanding of gastrointestinal health.
Redefining practice-based research in Europe
RMIT’s game-changing PhD program that’s shifting the concept of industry embedded research in Europe recently returned to Barcelona for its biannual Practice Research Symposium Europe (PRS Europe).
Australia’s only First Nations led agency dedicated to representing First Nations illustrators and artists has been created by two RMIT academics.
Arcade games take the controls on South Melbourne’s post-COVID plan
Classic arcade games have been reimagined along Clarendon Street in South Melbourne as part of an urban activation project between RMIT’s Future Play Lab and the City of Port Phillip.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
