Dr Penny Kyburz
Areas of expertise
- Virtual Reality And Related Simulation 080111
- Neural, Evolutionary And Fuzzy Computation 080108
- Computer Gaming And Animation 190202
- Psychological Methodology, Design And Analysis 170110
Research interests
Video games, game design, play experience, user testing, usability, HCI, interaction design, AI, technology policy, technology regulation, privacy, piracy, copyright
Biography
I am a researcher in the areas of experience, enjoyment, and AI in games and a veteran game developer. I developed the GameFlow model, which is a widely cited model of flow in video games.
I was the co-leader of the Games and Interactive Entertainment research group at QUT and helped to found the GRID Lab with tools for subjective and objective (biometric) measures of player experience. I have worked in various computer science research groups, including the Computer Human Interaction discipline at QUT, the Cognitive Engineering Research Group at UQ, and the Australian CRC for Interaction Design.
I have contributed to 20 digital games, which have garnered many awards, including four prestigious BAFTA nominations. I have devised usability methods and lead usability testing on AAA games, resulting in very high critic scores.
I recently worked in the Senate for 18 months as a policy adviser in communications, including telecommunications, digital rights, and broadcasting.
I have also worked to encourage women in technology for many years and lead an initiative at QUT to attract more women into games and IT.
Researcher's projects
GameFlow: modelling, measuring, understanding, evaluating enjoyment in video games