EXPERTISE
Multidisciplinary foundation
Narrative, technology, and spatial experience converge in environments where traditional models no longer apply. My work explores how these domains combine to shape new forms of human interaction across entertainment and innovation.
01
Classical Narrative
Training in theatre and storytelling provides the structural grounding for my work. I explore how stories shape human interactions and how those structures change when audiences move from observers to participants.
02
Emerging Technology
Across XR, AI, and spatial computing, I work at the boundary where new technologies require new conceptual frameworks. My focus is the human interface layer: how people understand, navigate, and make meaning within complex systems - and how those systems can better serve humanity.
03
Spatial Experiences
From immersive theatre to interactive environments and corporate installations, I conceive and design experiences that embrace space, participation, and context rather than dependencies associated with linear plot.
Where You'll Find Me
PASSION
Current Areas of Exploration
My work often begins with questions that appear across different mediums and disciplines. These inquiries shape research, writing, collaborations, and experimental projects.
01
AI-Native Human–Computer Interaction
Artificial intelligence is changing the conditions under which humans interact with computational systems. Instead of tools responding to commands, intelligent systems increasingly shape environments, memory, and context. I am particularly interested in how we interface with content and AI-native models designed for human collaboration with intelligent systems.
02
Blended Reality THEATRICS
Theater has always been a sandbox for new forms of human experience. Blended reality theatrics integrate live performance, immersive environments, and digital systems in real-time. The goal is not technological spectacle but new dramaturgical forms that meaningfully connect with audiences in a story-based experience existing in both physical and digital worlds.
03
Quantum Narratives
Traditional narrative models assume linear causality and singular perspective. Increasingly, media environments are interactive, generative, and networked. Quantum Narratives questions the relevancy of Aristotelian Poetics in generative environments and explores a new narrative paradigm that accommodates multiplicity, emergence, and parallel narrative states rather than fixed story arcs.
The Company I Keep
My work has intersected with media giants, research institutions, cultural organizations, and startups across multiple disciplines.
What colleagues say
Riggs possesses a rare interdisciplinary dexterity that allows her to break new ground in conceptualizing and crafting narratives in immersive technology.
JEROME SOLOMON
Conference Chair, ACM SIGGRAPH 2017
Stephanie Riggs has been at the forefront of narrative innovation for years.
FRANK ROSE
Frank Rose, author “The Art of Immersion” and Adjunct Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University School of the Arts' Digital Storytelling Lab
Stephanie Riggs emerges as a 21st century Marshall McLuhan, proving that the medium is so much more than just a message.
JESSE SCHELL
CEO, Schell Games
Stephanie is a brilliant creative leader and wonderful person to work with. She is incredibly openminded, fun, and down-to-earth.
MAYA P. LIM
Graphic Designer & Illustrator, "End of Storytelling" & "Quantum Narratives"
At Refinery29, we have a mission to change the way people see the world, to shake up the status quo, to reflect the world we are seeing around us. Stephanie embodies that vision.
AMY EMMERICH
President of North America & Chief Content Officer, Refinery29
Stephanie is that rare human who has both the intelligence, empathy, moxy and courage to helm the ship of a startup.
GREGORY ROBERTS
CEO, dsky / PlayMotion
BACKGROUND
About Stephanie
Stephanie Riggs works at the intersection of narrative, immersive technology, and human-computer systems. Her work spans theatre, XR environments, institutional collaboration, and AI interface design.
She is the author of The End of Storytelling and Quantum Narratives, and currently serves as CEO of Nia, where she leads the development of Pearl.