Drawing is an important tool in the communication of ideas, and we research theories, practices, methods, and processes across many disciplines - visual thinking through drawing is an essential cognitive skill for the future.

Drawing is an important tool in the communication of ideas: diagrams, sketches, annotations, graphs, maps, plans, animations and illustrations are used to explore theories, practices, methods, processes and research across many disciplines.

In a world of information and multimedia, visual thinking in and through drawing is an essential cognitive skill for the future, which can be applied to enhance learning, attention, focus, and embed memory, as recent neuroscience studies have proved. Drawing aligns with graphicacy and design thinking and promotes creative problem solving, innovation, and communication.

Current Drawing Research Group members use visual autobiography, memory studies, mental health research, animation, art, design, cognitive psychology, eye-tracking, diagrams, data visualisation and other themes and techniques to generate outcomes which have included public workshops, exhibitions, journal publications, book chapters, industry linked symposiums, and international conferences and festivals.

Our group works actively across drawing research, teaching, and community and industry engagement and impact. This has included producing videos funded by a SOTL grant featuring guests from Skywalker Ranch, ILM, and Pixar which have been widely viewed.

The Drawing Research Group at UNSW was founded in 2012 in consultation with the UK based Drawing Research Network with whom we have a long-standing collaborative working relationship:

Convenor / Contact: A/Prof Emma Robertson

E: e.robertson@unsw.edu.au