Design 21: Social Design Network

I guess I’m a mix-tape of sorts.

Currently I explore the intersection of communication, culture and creativity via my consultancy Random Specific. With an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and a Masters in Design I seek to cross-pollinate dialogue – fed by a constant curiosity which spans disciplines.

While my fear of heights has kept me well away from professional ladders, it has been noted that I’m laterally ambitious. My decade as a graphic designer/creative director overlaps with another as an academic in design – in diverse global locations such as New Zealand, India and China. Over the years my professional pursuits have taken me from slums to museums, classrooms to boardrooms.

These days I’m often drawn to projects involving ethnography, insights research, writing and communications strategy with an additional focus on Design for Social Innovation. The contemporary scenario is providing ever-widening avenues for design-thinking and I am particularly interested in contexts that demand trans-disciplinary and human-centered approaches. This has led me to my current primary professional role with OpenIDEO.

These days I live and work at the edge of paradise in New Zealand, though continue to lecture and consult globally when possible. Wherever I find myself I endeavour to navigate complexity and champion diversity.

And keep everyone guessing what the next track on the mix-tape might be.