About Dr Steven C. Santer

What I do today…

I am a design researcher and interaction designer investigating how technological interfaces shape the ways we perceive, understand, and come to know the worlds around us.

My research sits at the intersection of interaction design, environmental sensing, robotics, and the philosophy of technology and epistemology. Rather than treating interfaces as tools for displaying information, I explore how they mediate relationships between people and ecological systems. Through research-led prototypes, data representations and embodied interactions, I investigate how environmental processes that unfold across unfamiliar temporal and spatial scales can become perceptible within everyday life.

I completed a PhD in Design at RMIT University, where I developed a practice-based design methodology that employs metaphor (Metaphorism) as a strategy for translating ecological processes into experiential forms of interaction. This work resulted in experimental, organic, robotic interfaces that investigate how technology can mediate ecological perception beyond typical dashboards and data visualisations.

My current research extends these ideas toward a broader philosophy of ecological interfaces, of data representation, to understand how we come to know the worlds that manifest that data. I am interested in how experiential forms of representation influence knowledge acquisition, ecological understanding, and the evolving, shifting, relationships between human perception and technological mediation. This includes examining both the epistemic support that technologies can provide and the forms of epistemic dependence they may create.

Across research, design, and collaboration, I am developing interface methodologies that help people encounter the hidden dynamics of living systems while contributing to broader discussions about environmental futures, emerging technologies, and the role of design in shaping knowledge.

Over my design career, I have been fortunate to work with remarkable teams on remarkable projects, such as a number of award winning projects for both online and mobile apps: WilderQuest iPad app which was a winner of 11 AIMIA awards, Trocoxil iPad app which picked up a Bronze Clio, Streets Paddle Pop (online) was an AIMIA Finalist, just to name a few.

As a creative design specialist in the digital industry, with 20 years of experience, I work proficiently across several design disciplines including; User Experience (UX Design) and User Interface (UI Design) for mobile apps, games and online products, as well as 3D animation and motion design. I also enjoy exploring creative programming through Processing.

Redefining a Design skill set

1. Ecological Interface Design

Designing interfaces that mediate relationships between people and ecological systems. Going beyond interaction design or HCI; creating new ways for environmental processes to become perceptible across temporal, spatial and experiential scales.

  • Robotic interfaces
  • Environmental sensing concepts
  • Embodied interaction
  • Human–ecology mediation.

2. Research Through Design & Practice-Based Inquiry

Use of artefacts as a means of generating knowledge rather than simply demonstrating ideas. Robots, installations, and speculative prototypes are research instruments that help formulate and investigate new design questions.

  • Practice-led research
  • Experimental prototyping
  • Design methodology
  • Reflective research practice.

3. Design Theory & Method Development

Developing new design methodologies.

Object-Oriented Metaphorism is more than a design technique; it’s an original methodological framework that translates ecological processes into interface behaviours. More recently, this concept has evolved into a broader theory of ecological interface design.

  • Original theory development
  • Design methods
  • Conceptual synthesis
  • Bridging theory and practice.

4. Interdisciplinary Knowledge Synthesis

Naturally work across disciplines that don’t often overlap, including:

  • Interaction design
  • HCI
  • Philosophy of technology
  • Environmental sensing
  • Robotics
  • Ecology
  • Epistemology.

5. Philosophy of Technological Mediation

Understanding how interfaces shape perception, understanding, and knowledge.

Moving beyond design, into philosophy of technology and epistemology while remaining grounded in practical design research.

  • Philosophy of technology
  • Epistemology
  • Human–technology relations
  • Critical inquiry into representation and mediation.