Wearable Computing

Person using VR goggles and hand held devices with a screen in the background

The future of human-centred technology research with real-world applications

The Wearable Computer Lab pushes the boundaries of how humans interact with complex systems—developing technologies that make difficult problems more understandable, actionable, and collaborative. Our work sits at the intersection of human–computer interaction, visualisation, systems design, and immersive technologies, exploring how emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and intelligent interactive systems can improve trust, confidence, experience, and support human sensemaking in complex environments.

Our research investigates how people analyse, interpret, and act on large and often messy data sources. We design and build interactive systems that integrate visualisation, spatial interaction, and AI-enabled analysis, enabling users to explore data in ways that are intuitive, collaborative, and grounded in real-world contexts. These systems range from immersive analytics platforms and digital twins, to robotics and cyber systems, to interactive decision-support tools that support tasks such as planning, monitoring, and training.

A key focus of the lab is applied research conducted in close partnership with industry and government, ensuring that our work addresses real-world challenges. We collaborate with organisations across sectors including defence, mining, forestry, agriculture, and health, translating advances in immersive technology and visual analytics into practical tools that support better decision-making. 

Key capabilities

  • Novel virtual and augmented/mixed reality interaction systems and techniques
  • Immersive visualisation and analytics of big data across industries
  • Natural human-machine interfaces with body and hand interaction
  • Projector based augmented reality
  • Human-robot Interaction 

Members

The Wearable Computer Lab is a multidisciplinary team of academics, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, PhD candidates, and research engineers who work collaboratively across the full research and development pipeline. Our team brings together expertise in human–computer interaction, visualisation, immersive technologies, and software engineering, enabling us to explore new ideas while grounding them in rigorous research. This mix of perspectives allows us to approach complex problems from both theoretical and practical viewpoints, combining fundamental research with applied innovation. 

  • Dr Henry Gardner
  • Dr Carolin Reichherzer
  • Dr Jacob Ross
  • Alex Miao
  • Catherine Barnes
  • Chenkai Zhang
  • Corey Martin
  • Jamie Gower
  • Jasmine Nguyen
  • Juan Pieschacon
  • Kingsley Stephens
  • Radhika Jain
  • Rory Thoman
  • Spencer O'Keeffe
  • Taha Lamine
  • Thi Thanh Hoa Tran
  • Thomas Clarke
  • Venus St Germain
  • Xiaojiao Du

Engage with us

We welcome opportunities to collaborate with researchers, students, and industry partners who share an interest in visualisation, immersive analytics, and the design of complex interactive systems.  

Visiting Researchers and Students

The Wearable Computer Lab regularly hosts visiting researchers and research students, providing an environment where collaborators can engage with our team, contribute to ongoing projects, and explore new research ideas. These visits can range from short exchanges and workshops to longer research placements that support joint publications and new research directions.

Student Project and Research Training

We also support student projects and research training, offering opportunities for honours, Masters, and PhD students to work on cutting-edge problems in immersive technologies, human–computer interaction, and interactive system design. Students benefit from working within an active research group and often collaborate directly with industry partners and domain experts as part of their projects.

Grants and Industry Funded Projects

For organisations and collaborators seeking to tackle complex challenges, we welcome partnerships through competitive research grants, contract research, and industry-funded projects. Our team works closely with partners to co-design and develop novel systems, prototypes, and demonstrations that address real-world problems. Through these collaborations, we aim to translate research innovation into practical technologies that deliver meaningful impact. 

Contact us

Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments

Location  
Building W
Mawson Lakes Campus  
Adelaide University 
Adelaide SA

Email: IVE@adelaide.edu.au