Biography
I’m a Lecturer in Computer Arts and a practising artist. As a trained animator, I work with narrative and interactive animation in both my teaching and my practice. Most recently, I collaborated on the creation of an interactive game, Tales of Monstrous InTent (2018), an installation game played in a tent, which aims to create links between players through narrative devices, intimacy, and interdependent play.
In 2018 I received my PhD by publication which focusses upon the design of events, games and objects which utilise play to form temporary links between individuals and unlock the transformative potential inherent in all play. The PhD built upon my practice, drawing from interactive games, live performances and a series of interactive workshops produced during my studies. These works, studied from the perspective of practitioner, informed the creation of two design frameworks which sought to enhance participation by individuals in playful events and artefacts.
I’m passionate about play and believe we all could benefit from being a little more playful in our everyday lives. I believe that play is an ideal tool for bringing people together and helping them to see commonalities, reveal new perspectives and uncover new ideas about themselves, their lives, community and society. Working with the community is central to my practice and I have delivered a series of workshops within games and design festivals, at schools and for the general public, aiming to expand understanding of and engagement with playful media, interaction design and narrative. These workshops are participative, supporting attendees in the design, delivery and iteration of physical, pervasive and digital games, and animations. I also actively promote playful design through public engagement and outreach, presenting at academic conferences, public events and participating in panel discussions aimed at academic and general audiences.
I was previously the Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Computer Arts (2011-2017) and a Lecturer in 3D Animation teaching in the Further Education sector (2005-2010). I am also external examiner for Ba (Hons) Graphics for Games at Bradford University (2015 – present).
Qualifications
2018 - PhD by Publication: Playing Games Together: Play Interventions for Community and Communal Play
2009 - 2010 - PG (Cert) Teaching Qualification Further Education (TQFE) - University of Dundee
2006 - 2007 - Introduction Teaching Qualification in Further Educations - Level 7 - Dundee College
2004 - 2005 - MSc in Animation and Visualisation - Distinction - University of Dundee
2000 - 2004 - Ba (Hons) Computer Arts - 2:1 - University of Abertay Dundee
