Mrs Sam Osys

I am a PhD Researcher with the Open University Design Group in STEM, where my research focuses on locating ethics within digital design practice. My academic journey is driven by a commitment to understanding and integrating ethical considerations into the design process, contributing meaningful insights to design ethics.

Before starting my PhD, I gained many years of experience as a design practitioner in various roles across the industry. My professional background includes positions such as Creative Director, UX Designer, and Service Design Lead, where I successfully managed multidisciplinary teams, led innovative projects, and collaborated with a diverse range of stakeholders. These roles have equipped me with a deep understanding of practical design challenges and the importance of ethical decision-making in real-world scenarios.

My work aims to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications, ensuring that ethical considerations are embedded in the design process from inception to implementation. Through my PhD, I seek to advance the academic dialogue on design ethics and provide actionable frameworks for practitioners. My ultimate goal is to foster a design culture that prioritises ethical responsibility and contributes positively to society.

I actively engage in the university community as a volunteer student representative. Through this role, I serve on the STEM Academic Committee and the Senate, mentor and support fellow students, and represent the Open University in the OxCam ARC initiative. These experiences allow me to contribute to the academic and professional development of my peers while advocating for student interests.