Dr Rachael Luck

Throughout the twentieth century there have been distinct phases to the study of design. Each connects design research with different methods and particular understandings of human conduct in the material world. The research Rachael undertakes studies how design work actually takes place, with a deep analytic interest in interaction. Her research examines how people organise and coordinate their design work, design new realities and participate in collaborative design situations, looking closely at the ways that people inhabit and interact with designed things in built environments.

This research involves ethnographic and video-based studies of interaction in everyday settings. Her research has been funded by awards from ERC, EPSRC, ESRC and the RIBA and is undertaken in close collaboration with practitioners and participants. It is informed by Rachael’s experience working as a chartered architect in practice and scholarship in applied informatics (Capgemini prize), design and construction management.

Projects:

ESRC Seminar Series ‘Designing inclusive environments: shaping transitions from theory into practice’ with Goldsmiths College London 2013-2014

     Seminar 3 'Translational practices and the operationally of universal design' held at the Michael Young Building, The Open University, 21st February 2014.

     Outreach design exercise: Designing Inclusively? conducted with Year 9 Design Technology students at Oakgrove School Milton Keynes, 10th March 2014.

European Research Council ‘Universalism, universal design and equitable access to the designed environment’ €853,000 to investigate the role and relevance of universal design with Goldsmiths College London 2013-2016

Responsibilities: Director of Research for the School of Engineering and Innovation Director, Deputy Editor for the journal Design Studies, Tutor on the IDBE Interdisciplianry Design of the Built Environment course at Cambridge University.

I can offer PhD supervision in subjects connected with these research interests: studies of (architectural) design in practice, design communication and coordination, co-design and participatory design practices, interaction design, embodied multi-modal and multi-sensory experience, inclusive design practices.