Nature Kin is a design-led research initiative exploring how creative experiences can help people notice, understand and care for the nature around them.
Through co-design, creative practice and accessible technology, we explore how these moments of connection can lead to greater understanding and realistic actions that support local biodiversity. Our aim is to help build communities through and with nature, recognising people, plants, animals and places as part of an interconnected living system.
Out team
We are a multidisciplinary team of researchers from Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, working in the areas of design, art, technology and community research.
Dr Shivani Tyagi
Communication designer and applied researcher specialising in information design, human-centred design and public engagement. Shivani leads co-design and translation of research and community knowledge into accessible tools, visual resources and practical experiences.
Communication designer and applied researcher specialising in information design, human-centred design and public engagement. Shivani leads co-design and translation of research and community knowledge into accessible tools, visual resources and practical experiences.
Dr Kate Robertson
Visual artist, photographer, and design researcher specialising in ecological image-making and participatory creative practice. Kate contributes to the project’s community engagement and relational approach to nature and place.
Visual artist, photographer, and design researcher specialising in ecological image-making and participatory creative practice. Kate contributes to the project’s community engagement and relational approach to nature and place.
Professor Prem Jayaraman
Leading technology expert specialising in Internet of Things and distributed systems. Prem guides the development of the project’s digital platforms.
Leading technology expert specialising in Internet of Things and distributed systems. Prem guides the development of the project’s digital platforms.
Dr Abdur Forkan
Senior Research Fellow specialising in applied artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science. Forkan leads the project’s exploration of AI and plant data capabilities
Senior Research Fellow specialising in applied artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science. Forkan leads the project’s exploration of AI and plant data capabilities
Ashish Manchanda
PhD candidate specialising in full-stack development and data integration. Ashish supports the development and testing of digital experiences.
PhD candidate specialising in full-stack development and data integration. Ashish supports the development and testing of digital experiences.
Funding
Nature Kin is funded through the Swinburne Research Ecosystem Seed Grant Scheme (2026)
Nature Kin is funded through the Swinburne Research Ecosystem Seed Grant Scheme (2026)