Robyn Cook

Dr. Robyn Cook is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Graphic Design at Falmouth University. She holds a DPhil in Visual Art from the University of Pretoria (2017) and has extensive academic leadership experience, including Course Leader roles at Falmouth and the University of Johannesburg. Her research focuses on the intersection of power dynamics and design, exploring how design operates as a 'hyperobject' within societal systems. She runs The Office for Ulterior Research, blending design research and publishing.

Her qualifications include a FHEA from Advance HE (2020), MA and BA(Hons) in Fine Art from Wits University, and a National Diploma in Graphic Design. She has secured significant research grants including a £57k UKRI/GCRF grant (2018-2021) and a £32k NRF Thuthuka grant (2014-2016). Currently supervising 6 PhD/Master's students, her teaching spans MA Communication Design and BA Graphic Design, emphasizing critical pedagogy and design ethics.

Research interests include gender inequality in design education, post-humanist design futures, and the role of design in social change. Her work critiques neoliberal educational structures and advocates for participatory, activist-oriented practices. The Office for Ulterior Research serves as both a research repository and experimental publishing platform focusing on 'other-than-human' representations.

Key articles like Unequal Stories series address systemic inequities in design, while Speculating on the future of graphic design explores AI's impact. Her Last Unstitute project challenges traditional academic structures through experimental learning environments.