Matthew Lyle Furber

My research delves into the understanding and integration of play and gamification with emerging technologies to advance inquiry-based and embodied learning. By merging new pedagogy and speculative design with user experience research, game design, and immersive design, I aim to create a more accessible, equitable, and enriched digital learning experience for all.

I am committed to fostering a future where experiential, multimodal, and human-centered applications redefine human-computer interaction and education. My work encompasses extended realities, new media, and generative AI, emphasizing creative problem-solving and conceptual frameworks to center the arts and humanities in technological innovation.

Through this interdisciplinary approach, I strive to bridge the gap between technology and education, ensuring that learning environments are both innovative and inclusive. My goal is to cultivate a learning landscape that is not only cutting-edge but also deeply rooted in humanistic values.

M.F.A. in Interactive Design and Game Development: Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, Georgia, 2021 (Thesis: Subverting Game Design for Contemporary Virtual Installation Art Contemplating on The Digital Sublime. Subverting traditional 3D computer development and production pipelines for the creation of immersive digital installations and unique artifacts that explored themes of human identity, place, and consciousness through digital media)

B.S. in Art: Southern Oregon University Ashland, Oregon, 2009 (Majored in digital arts with an emphasis in multimedia)

Exploring the intersection between interactive and immersive design, the arts and humanities, and inquiry-based and embodied learning. 

Areas of Expertise: UX/UI, XR, Design Systems, Game Design, Identity/Branding, Contemporary Art, Digital Art, Illustration, Motion Design

2023 -To Present Assistant Prof. of Communication Design, Endowed tenure track professor in CODE in the School of Design at DAAP. Teaching Interaction Design I, Interaction Design II, Design Methodologies III, Special Topics: Immersive Design. I also mentor, committee chair, and instruct independent studies for MDes students, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

2021 -2023 Assistant Prof. of Art and Design, Tenure track faculty for Art and Design at Marian University. Taught Photography, Graphic Design, Interactive Design, and Capstone courses. Contributed to curriculum updates, new courses, and department and college service including New Faculty training with the Center for Teaching and Learning, Marian University, Indianapolis, Indiana

2019 -2021 Interactive Designer, Lead screen artist and interactive designer for Apple website assets translating the North American website to other global markets. Digital Production Artist for Apple’s website and visual liaison for developer teams. Collaborating with appropriate art directors, producers, QC leads, and lead developers, Apple/Hogarth, Sunnyvale, California

2016 -2017 Art Director, UX/UI, Branding, identity & brand strategy for VR startup. UX research, storyboarding, and UI wireframing for the app. Collaborated with Founder, and Devs on VR design system, The Wild, Portland, Oregon

2014 -2016 Sr. Designer/Producer, Designed Global Branding decks for Nike and Jordan, specifically for Basketball, Nike SB, and Nike Sportswear. Produced photo and video shoots at Nike. Supervised in-house team and freelancers for print and installation deliverables. Worked with 3D team on digital product and store renders, Nike/Hive FX, Portland, Oregon

2012 -2018 Designer/Digital Artist, Graphic designer and artist for multiple projects including Nickelodeon, Take-Two Interactive, and Seagrams. Graphic Design and Marketing Materials for the non-profit Hour Children. Storyboarded commercial spots for KIA Soul, and Dunkin Donuts (represented by Famous Frame). Concept artist for edutainment video game SciSquad. VFX concepts for Magnolia Pictures film production. Storyboarded Dodge ads with synergy to SyFy’s (NBC) Defiance, Freelance, Various, New York, New York

2017 -To Present: AIGA - Educator Member American Institute of Graphic Arts, Cincinnati, Ohio