The 2025 UQ Interaction Design Exhibit, held on Friday, 30 May, was a vibrant celebration of creativity and innovation, undampened by the rainy weather. Attendees braved the elements to experience the cutting edge of interaction design, and the students from the Bachelor of Information Technology (User Experience Design major) and Master of Interaction Design programs rose to the occasion, showcasing their work with enthusiasm and professionalism. Their engaging exhibits made the future of technology feel incredibly close and tangible.
This year’s theme, “The Future of Work,” invited attendees to explore pioneering concepts that reimagined how technology could seamlessly integrate into our daily lives and work environments. The exhibit featured 18 interactive prototypes, each one uniquely addressing the interplay between the physical and digital worlds. Visitors were invited to throw, hit, shake, stack, steer, balance, squeeze, and interact with a variety of devices, all designed to challenge conventional methods of engagement with technology.
The event offered a unique opportunity for attendees to directly engage with the prototypes. Guests were seen engrossed in conversations with the creators, marvelling at the ingenuity behind each design. Many expressed awe at the students’ ability to bring imaginative ideas to life, providing alternative visions of how technology can support and enrich our everyday experiences.
One of the highlights of the evening was the incredible diversity of projects inspired by the theme. From immersive #VR and #AR experiences to inventive #wearabletech and environmental interaction designs, the exhibit celebrated the limitless potential of creative problem-solving in technology.
Dr. Jarrod Knibbe, Senior Lecturer in Interaction Design, praised the students’ dedication and forward-thinking approach, saying: "Through these prototypes, our students are not only redefining how we use technology today but also laying the foundation for how we might interact with it tomorrow. Their work demonstrates the value of designing for the ‘near future’—exploring opportunities that are possible now but remain underutilized."
The exhibit’s vibrant and collaborative atmosphere fostered a sense of innovation and creativity. Guests left inspired, with a newfound appreciation for the potential of user experience design to transform the way we live and work.
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the 2025 UQ Interaction Design Exhibit. Your engagement and enthusiasm made it a memorable event.
