Storytelling is a powerful tool for interpretation, understanding and change. StoryLab’s interdisciplinary research is concerned with the WHAT, HOW, WHO and WHY of storytelling operating at the intersection of narrative, form and function. Our core research question is: how can purposeful storytelling effect meaningful social and cultural change? As such we explore how the development and democratisation of existing and emerging creative technologies can enable stories to be told in innovative and immersive ways, and impact positively on society.
We adopt an experiential and interactive approach to storytelling that includes 360 film, 3D data visualisation, soundscapes, extended realities (XR) as well as traditional filmmaking. Multimodal narratives are a common theme, with novel combinations of art & design, audio, digital media and film, to support investigation, intervention, and knowledge exchange
We work with a variety of researchers and organisations to develop creative artefacts, new data, innovative and poly-vocal forms of inquiry and communication of knowledge particularly around complex and challenging issues.
Human Creativity, Design and Technology (HC)
StoryLab’s interrogation of multimodal storytelling, speculative design and creative technologies enables our researchers to create new, engaging and impactful narrative experiences. We use creative design and participatory processes between teams of experts and communities to investigate the impact of human creativity and technologies on social change.
Identity, Culture & Heritage (ICH)
StoryLab employs innovative narrative practices to surface new voices and perspectives around questions of identity, culture and heritage. Our interdisciplinary research investigates how storytelling can deepen empathy, encourage participation, and generate positive action regarding complex issues such as equality, migration, heritage-making and social justice.
Sustainable & Resilient Communities (SRC)
At StoryLab we use the power of multimodal storytelling to enable broader and more diverse audiences to understand and engage with complex concepts related to the environment, climate change, and sustainable and resilient communities.
Health & Wellbeing (HW)
StoryLab researches the benefits of innovative narrative practices for health and wellbeing. We are interested in the power of storytelling and immersive technologies to positively impact patients, practitioners and carers and promote meaningful attitudinal and behaviour change.
For details please visit our projects page.
Bringing together academics and creative practitioners with wider industry and the charity and social action sectors is central to our work at StoryLab. Please get in touch with us to start a conversation about research collaboration, consultancy or to discuss PhD project opportunities.