Digital Games to Support FIFO Families

Overview

This unique research project explores how asynchronous digital games can strengthen social connections among FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) workers and their families. Prolonged separations and demanding schedules create challenges such as isolation and mental health impacts. This study aims to understand how these families use technology to stay connected and how games can support their wellbeing.

This project is associated with a funded scholarship. You'll receive a stipend valued at $33,637 per annum for a maximum duration of 1.75 years while undertaking the Master of Philosophy (MPhil). The duration includes an extension of up to three months, subject to approval during your candidature.

Research activities

As part of this project, you will:

• conduct qualitative research with FIFO families, including interviews, observations, and diaries/cultural probes, to understand their experiences and challenges
• analyse the role of digital games and other technologies in facilitating social connections and self-care
• collaborate with families and stakeholders to explore and refine strategies for supporting wellbeing
• work closely with industry partners like MATES in Construction to ensure the research has meaningful real-world impact.

Outcomes

Project aims

• The project aims to explore how digital games stand to benefit FIFO worker wellbeing.
• Insight into the intersection of digital wellbeing, games, and mental health.

Research training outcomes

• You'll gain hands-on experience in human-computer interaction (HCI) and qualitative research methods.
• Collaborate with MATES in Construction, an organisation dedicated to reducing suicide and improving mental health in the construction and mining industries.
• Join the Digital Wellbeing Lab, a leading research group exploring how technologies can support mental health and foster social connections.
• Contribute to a growing area of research with significant potential for real-world social impact.

Skills and experience

• A Bachelor’s Honours degree or equivalent in Games Design, Information Technology, Psychology, or a Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) aligned discipline.
• Strong skills in human-centred design, qualitative research, and user studies.
• Familiarity with digital games (asynchronous game experience is a bonus).
• A passion for wellbeing research or lived experience with FIFO families (preferred but not essential).
• You need to meet the entry requirements for a QUT Master of Philosophy, including any English language requirements.
• The project is open to domestic and international candidates.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

Explore our research scholarships

Keywords

• wellbeing
• games
• digital
• design
• human-computer interaction
• HCI
• digital wellbeing
• co-design
• industry
• FIFO
• fly-in fly-out

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.