Labs and institutes

Our department features a research lab and an institute, both focused on digital media:

The Critical Media Lab

Image of Critical Media Lab.

A research-creation incubator.

The CRIME Lab fosters the creation of new media projects that explore the impact of technology on society and the human condition. Located in the heart of Kitchener-Waterloo’s tech district, it includes a graduate design lab, biofeedback devices, handheld development tools, physical computing benches, and VR and AR environments. It is also host to visiting artist/researchers, arts and culture events, community outreach projects, , and graduate courses in the RCD (Rhetoric Communication and Design) and XDM (Experimental Digital Media) MA programs. 

The Games Institute

Person wearing virtual reality helmet.

Exploring the future of game-related and game-driven design.

The Games Institute conducts research into the past, present, and future of digital games, spanning the breadth of related disciplines from the humanities and social sciences through engineering and computer science. It draws on a research network joining multiple universities and multiple industry partners to explore the compelling user engagement that games deliver in fields ranging from entertainment, education, health, and business. As with the Critical Media Lab, faculty and student research projects are hosted and enabled by the Games Institute.