DigitalAmphibians

BORN AMPHIBIOUS

Psychoactive is a global design agency shaping digital experiences for ambitious brands. We create immersive, scalable websites that push the boundaries of design and technology. Our remote-first team spans time zones, with our primary studio based in Wellington, New Zealand.

Just as frogs breathe both water & air, we breathe design and innovation. We’re constantly hatching fresh and beautifully intuitive ways to stimulate the Metamorphosis of projects & brands.

Psychoactive Metamorphosis Tessellation. Alexandre Bannwarth (2020). Custom frame-by-frame animation. Commissioned by Psychoactive.

Metamorphosis

/ˌmɛtəˈmɔːfəsɪs,ˌmɛtəmɔːˈfəʊsɪs/

Noun DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
noun: metamorphosis; plural noun: metamorphoses

(in a brand or organisation) the process of transformation from an outdated or underperforming digital presence into a distinctive, intelligent, and high-performing web experience

“After working with Psychoactive, the brand underwent digital metamorphosis.”

Outcomes:

  • transformation
  • clarity
  • emotion
  • identity
  • scalability
  • performance
  • growth

Origin:

  • GREEK
    metamorphoun
    (to transform, change shape)
  • LATIN
    metamorphosis
    (late Middle English)
  • NEW ZEALAND
    metamorphosis
    (Psychoactive definition)
Redefined by Psychoactive Studios to describe the digital evolution of brands through strategy, design, and technology.

THRIVE THROUGH COLLABORATION

A global network of designers, developers, creative thinkers, and strange creatures.

Our story

Psychoactive was founded in 2018 by Andrew Hillstead, born from his Master’s research which explored how technology could be used to simulate psychedelic therapy. That work paired neurofeedback with augmented and virtual reality, seeking new ways to create meaningful emotional states through digital experience. This deep connection between design and human psychology still shapes how we think about digital experience today.

In 2019, Psychoactive transitioned from WordPress to Webflow, pioneering the platform’s potential for enterprise-level creativity and performance. The shift marked the beginning of a new chapter in web design, one where motion, micro-interactions, responsiveness, and performance could finally move in harmony.

Today, Psychoactive partners with some of the world’s largest and most innovative brands and events, including World of WearableArt, Summer Game Fest, SuperAI, and TOKEN2049. From launching the All Blacks Rugby World Cup 2023 jersey to developing digital infrastructure for global organisations, universities, and fast-moving startups, we’ve delivered hundreds of websites - each one crafted with its own purpose and distinctive flavour.

Having been nominated as Agency of the Year by Awwwards and receiving 50+ international awards for our work, our journey has shaped a studio that thinks beyond trends and templates. We approach every project with the curiosity of artists and researchers and the precision of engineers, helping ambitious brands build digital experiences that stand out and stand the test of time.

  • 2018
    Founded, based in
    Wellington New Zealand
  • 50+
    Recognition & Awards
    backing our excellence
  • Awwwards.
    Nominated as the
    International Agency of the Year

Our Ethos

  1. Put the customer first

    We begin by understanding your audience, their needs, habits and motivations to create experiences that feel natural, human and meaningful.

  2. Know where to innovate

    We innovate with purpose, combining design fundamentals with fresh thinking to create work that feels timeless, focused and original.

  3. Technical excellence

    We build with precision and care, ensuring every detail, micro-interaction and integration is optimised for performance, accessibility and reliability.

  4. Partnership mindset

    We see every collaboration as a shared journey. By aligning our expertise with your goals, we create momentum that drives lasting growth for both brand and business.