About HIT Lab NZ
Operating since 2002, the Human Interface Technology Laboratory New Zealand (HIT Lab NZ) is a multidisciplinary research centre located at the University of Canterbury in the Faculty of Engineering. We are recognised internationally as a leader in Human Interface Technology research and education.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support and empower people through the study, invention, development and dissemination of knowledge, technologies and processes that solve real-world problems and have positive global impact. We aim to:
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- Provide multi-disciplinary, project-based learning experiences for students.
- Maintain a world-class centre of excellence for human interface technology research.
- Develop and transition to industry, leading-edge human-computer interfaces to accelerate economic development in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our Values
Our team strive to cultivate an open, safe, and supportive environment that values creativity, diversity, integrity, and collaboration in the pursuit of bettering the world through knowledge creation and dissemination.
Our Expertise
HIT Lab NZ researchers are world-renowned for their expertise in:
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- Virtual reality
- Augmented reality
- Applied games
- Haptics
- Artificial intelligence
Our Research Approach
Human Interface Technology takes a human-centred approach to the analysis, design, and development of interactive and emerging technologies. Our research explores how people use these technologies with the end goal of improving the user experience. We start with first considering the people we are looking to support, the tasks they need help with, and the environment they will be in before we design technical solutions for them.
Our Facilities and Equipment
Our researchers and students have access to a wide range of cutting-edge equipment and facilities with which they run experiments to explore, design and develop novel interactions. Some of the equipment available includes:
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- AR/VR headsets – multiple recent release headsets
- Eight360 Nova Ball VR motion simulator
- SimPit 270-degree VR projection for immersive simulation experience
- Omni Virtuix omnidirectional VR treadmill simulator
- Two TactaCage multisensory immersive VR systems
- State-of-the-art 15-camera motion capture system
- High-spec media space for filming
- User study labs
- Fabrication lab with 3-D printers
Contact our Centre Manager at info@hitlabnz.org if you have a project that requires use of these facilities.
Potential Research Partners
HIT Lab NZ engages in projects with partners from industry, academia, and government, both nationally and internationally. We use our expertise to collaborate with and consult for many sectors including:
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- Health
- Education and training
- High-performance sports
- Game development
- Disaster management
- Transportation
- Environment
- Construction
- Tourism
If you want to discuss potential research projects working with our students, collaboration opportunities, or consultancies:
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- Read our Engaging with HIT Lab NZ fact sheet
- Email our Centre Manager at info@hitlabnz.org
Support HIT Lab NZ Research
We welcome enquiries from prospective donors who want to support HIT Lab NZ students with scholarships and/or research projects. Donors can support HIT Lab NZ scholarships and research through our UC Foundation Make a Donation page or discuss in more detail with our Centre Manager.
Annual Reports