Andre Murnieks BSID, MFA

Andre Mūrnieks’ extensive portfolio in applied research and interaction design exemplifies a deep commitment to human-centred methodologies. As a Senior Lecturer of Visual Communication Design at Massey University in Wellington—and formerly an Assistant Professor at the University of Notre Dame—Mūrnieks has established a scholarly practice that rigorously explores the narrative potential of digitally mediated user experiences. His work is particularly distinguished by its use of motion not merely as an aesthetic flourish, but as a core methodology for discovery, presentation, and visual communication.

A significant portion of Mūrnieks' research is situated at the intersection of design, education, and healthcare, where he seeks to translate complex information into accessible formats for underserved or non-specialist groups. This focus is evident in projects like "Hospital Discharge," a collaboration with the Beacon Health System and Memorial Hospital. Here, Mūrnieks served as UI/UX Director for a research initiative aimed at visualising the patient treatment cycle. By conducting primary research with hospital staff and patients, his team developed concept prototypes for mobile applications that track patient care and discharge processes, directly addressing the "pain points" of both nurses and patients. Similarly, his work on "Contect," a mobile app for concussion evaluation developed with Innovation Park, demonstrates his capacity to apply design thinking to critical health monitoring tools for athletic trainers.

In the realm of education, Mūrnieks consistently leverages interactive technologies to enhance learning outcomes. His project "Flow of History" reimagined traditional history textbooks as a mobile tablet application. By visualising history as a series of connected "flows" rather than static dates, the project offered high school students a more intuitive, non-linear way to engage with historical narratives. Furthermore, his involvement with "PaperTracker"—an interdisciplinary project bridging arts and sciences—uses gaming dynamics and tangible manipulatives to teach logic and music, showcasing his versatility in designing for diverse learning styles.

Mūrnieks’ design philosophy is rooted in the belief that even speculative academic projects should yield actionable, real-world solutions. This is illustrated by his work with Paramount Plastics, where he directed a feasibility prototype to improve the ergonomics of industrial vacuum forming. Although often defined as speculative research, these projects frequently result in concrete recommendations that clients implement. For instance, his collaboration with Stay Metricson the "Smart Temps" project involved redesigning a handheld food safety probe to improve workflow and ergonomics for food workers, directly influencing the client’s product strategy.

Beyond individual projects, Mūrnieks contributes significantly to the broader design discipline through his leadership in the Motion Design Education (MODE) Summit, where he has served as an organiser and editor of conference proceedings. His work, whether for the New Zealand Ministry of Justice or for global healthcare providers, consistently underscores the value of design research. By prioritising the end-user’s perspective, Mūrnieks demonstrates that creative discovery is not just an academic exercise, but a vital endeavour that drives innovation and inclusivity in essential services.