My research expertise is in applying empathy to understand users, stakeholders and people, and my teaching encourages learners to be equal partners in creating inclusive, engaging and transformative experiences. I am also an impact coordinator for the College and the Faculty of Arts Design and Media. 

I have experience using human-centred design as a connector integrator, supporting different disciplines to co-create an understanding of problems and developing solutions. An important strand of my research is the impact of empathy in leading, managing and supporting transformations. I have published in leading national and international design research conferences and journals. I have used design to create meaningful and impactful change within organisations such as Philips, Soil Machine Dynamics, and Unilever. I currently lead the Design-led Transformation Network, which brings together the public, private and higher education sectors to discuss and articulate the role of design in transformation.

My research is embedded in practice. Therefore, I regularly work with industry partners through contract research, knowledge transfer partnerships and collaborative student projects. I have contributed to the design innovation practices in the following companies: Philips, Daimler, Nokia, Airbus, Unilever, BT, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Fire Service, Lego and Sony Ericsson.

I currently teaching on the following subjects:

• Global Perspectives
• Design Research
• Design innovation strategy
• Professional development
• Final Project/Dissertation
• Design Entrepreneurship and Innovation