My name is Yao Ruiqi, and I am a teaching assistant and researcher at the School of Design at Shantou University. My interest is in the intersection of design and anthropology for research and application in coastal communities, and I am keen to pursue a PhD related to them.
Throughout my study and working life, I have been engaged in research on integrating design and anthropology. Ethnography has inspired me and influenced my design career. While immersed in the field environment, I understood the meaning of people's lives and the connections between different groups. In particular, it allowed me to focus on the people who actually use design - they are often the general masses or disadvantaged groups lacking power and capital. This has also led me to work on projects primarily concerned with community public services and the region's sustainable development.
I gained much experience in projects during my practice. As the designer, I worked with the Guangdong Provincial Taxation Bureau to design social security services for older people. From 2022, this new service has helped around 200,000 older people access social security more easily. Two years ago, I joined the School's Centre for Rural Building Studies and worked with sociologists, architects, and planners to develop sustainable development plans for remote villages and islands. During my time as Head of Design in the school's digital department, I have led the design of several experience optimisations for information services.
I usually work in multidisciplinary teams, from field fieldwork to concept generation to final project implementation and operation. My identity shifts throughout research and design, from the organiser, researcher, and manager to the designer. During this process, I set up a design consultancy to ensure that research and practice work together and progress smoothly. By running a company that links research, project implementation and communication between multiple parties.
Since 2021, we have developed sustainable development plans for two regions and are currently progressing with funding support.
Having become proficient in teaching, I have applied the design workshop model to working with residents and government agencies. Since 2021, we have developed sustainable development plans for two regions and are currently progressing with funding support. Now, we are preparing an exhibition related to design ethnography, which aims to explore the presentation and media for public engagement. The core concept of the exhibition is based on Geerzt's interpretation of culture and Ingold's ever-extending social networks. This exhibition will occur at Shantou University and Mayu island in late March.
I usually work in multidisciplinary teams, from field fieldwork to concept generation to final project implementation and operation. My identity shifts throughout research and design, from the organiser, researcher, and manager to the designer. During this process, I set up a design consultancy to ensure that research and practice work together and progress smoothly. By running a company that links research, project implementation and communication between multiple parties.
Finally, I hope to contribute to the field of design and anthropology through my PhD studies and research. I believe my ability to collaborate across disciplines, my practical experience and my teaching experience will enable me to make a difference in my research career. It is a process that requires patience, and I hope I can truly create happiness with people.
Overview
Thanks for your time and consideration.
Ruiqi Yao
