Alma Leora Culén

Alma Leora Culén is a Professor in the Design of Information Systems at the Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, part of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. She holds a prominent role in advancing sustainable interaction design, research through design methodologies, and transformative design practices focused on societal transitions.

Her academic journey includes contributions to HCI education reform, emphasizing ethical and sustainable design principles. Culén has pioneered projects like 'Plurishop' exploring sustainable smartphone alternatives and 'Transition Design' approaches for mitigating democratic erosion. She actively engages in interdisciplinary collaborations through research groups such as DESIGN and Design4Dem.

Key research interests span sustainable technology, participatory design processes, and leveraging AI for complex design mediation. Her work often intersects with societal challenges like climate action, youth engagement in socio-technical systems, and rural sustainability initiatives.

Culén's pedagogical innovations include intensive design courses and speculative installations for civic education. She leads projects funded by the Norwegian Research Council, focusing on sustainable consumption patterns and MaaS solutions for rural areas. Notable collaborations include international design research societies and EU-funded sustainability initiatives.

Her lab activities emphasize participatory prototyping and transition design frameworks, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as chronically ill youth and elderly users. Culén's work bridges academic research with real-world impact through partnerships with libraries, municipalities, and tech industries.