The mobile version of this site
is currently unavailable.

please stay tuned!


cuddlepunk
demi schänzel
Hello, it's so lovely to make your acquaintance!

I'm currently undertaking a doctorate in the digital humanities, studying the intersection between social networks and game design, and how we may be able to utilize game theory to design kinder online social spaces.

I've operated as an interface designer for over seven years on a number of diverse endeavours, with experience in all aspects of interface design.

I’m also an emergent video game designer with over five years experience in game system programming, visual execution, multiplayer networking, and database management.

I recently released Idyll, a small social world designed around kinder forms of online conversation and connection, which has been nominated for an Excellence in Design award.

I also released the Library of Babble a few years back, as featured within the Los Angeles Times

If you're at all curious of my work or simply wish to chat, please don't hesitate to reach out at dschanzel@gmail.com or through my socials! ♡
personal
history
Present
2020
aut university
doctorate
Currently undertaking a doctorate in the digital humanities, studying the intersection between social networks and game design, and how we may be able to utilize game theory to design kinder online social spaces
2020
2018
aut university
masters
Undertook a masters in the digital humanities, exploring the use of intrinsic motivation and self-determination in social game design to evoke a more compassionate social atmosphere
2018
2017
titan ideas
design lead
Operated as the design lead for an emerging startup focused on digital experiences. This role involved overseeing the design of several augmented and virtual reality experiences
2015
2017
auckland live
design lead
Commissioned to design an interactive art installation alongside a team of others on behalf of the Auckland Live summer festival. This was a near year-long endeavour, in which I operated as the general experience designer and project manager
volunteer
2022
2017
see and be seen
speaker
Spoke at the See And Be Seen conference on gender expression in video games, exploring how the latest Animal Crossing forwards a novel approach to player self-expression
2019
2017
freeplay parallels
speaker
Spoke at Freeplay Parallels in Melbourne, advocating for more compassionate design philosophies and discussing some of the key inspirations behind the Library Of Babble
2017
2017
play by play
speaker
Spoke at Play By Play in Wellington, advocating for kindred design practices within game design and other theoretical tenets of the digital humanities
2019
2017
nonbinary in games
representative
Active representative for the Women and Nonbinary in Games initiative in New Zealand. Each month we held a gentle coffee slumber at a different Auckland cafe, offering an active social space for women and nonbinary game makers
Present
2017
game association
representative
Active representative for the International Game Developers Association within New Zealand. Primarily acting as a community manager facilitating local online spaces
Education
2020
2018
masters
digital humanities
Studied within the academic field of digital humanities and critical social design. Studying to complete a exegesis on collective storytelling within virtual worlds and value-based design.
2015
2013
bachelor
creative technologies
Graduated in design as a technical artist, modeller and creative
programmer. With expertise in graphical design, post-production and visual effects.