My current research is broadly concerned with the topics of "the public" and "participation" in contemporary design discourse and practice.This research takes multiple forms including theory and criticism, ethnography, participatory design, critical design and technology development.

Specifically, I focus on the existing and potential uses of emerging technologies such as robotics, sensing, visualization, and mapping in the urban environment. I am interested in how these technologies shape and are shaped by the city and how they might be used for social and political action and critique.

To further this research and form a basis for collaboration and the sharing of ideas and methods with students and colleagues I am in the process of establishing The Public Design Workshop. A website is in progress and you can view our active wiki, which documents ongoing research and design activites.

News

Presenting at Participatory Design Conference
I will be presenting at the Participatory Design Conference in Bloomington IN, Oct 1-4, 2008. I'll be presenting work done as part of the Neighborhood Networks project. (posted August 2008)

First City as Learning Lab advisory board meeting
The City As Learning Lab (CaLL) is a 4-year collaborative design and research project that explores the use of robotics technology for learning and activism in urban contexts. The NSF approved our grant this Spring and we convened our first advisory board meeting this Summer. We are looking for partners in in Atlanta. If you are interested, contact me. (posted August 2008)