Carla Amaral

Dr. Carla Amaral is a Senior Tutor at the Royal College of Art's School of Design, contributing to interdisciplinary research, teaching, and learning. She is actively involved with the New Economic Models for the Ocean (NEMO) project as part of the RCA's work as a UNESCO Ocean Decade implementing partner.

• PhD at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia
• Master of Design by Research at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia

Carla's research focuses on developing community engagement strategies and designing custom methods for collaborative and inclusive design. Her expertise spans inclusive design, service design, and disability research, with particular emphasis on creating balanced economic models through design innovations that combine science with human behavior. She applies her skills to understand the interconnectedness of coastal communities worldwide and the sea, working toward more resilient communities in the face of climate change impacts.

Carla has been recognized by the Higher Education Academy for her pedagogical approach through peer-reviewed publications and teaching awards. Her work demonstrates significant contributions to design education methodology.

With over a decade of academic experience, Carla supports the co-management of the MDes Design Futures programme and co-leads the Grand Challenge project involving approximately 700 master's students working across London's 32 boroughs. Her previous teaching positions include MA Design Products and MRes Design Pathway programmes.

Carla is affiliated with the Immersive Acts Research Group, which challenges conventional approaches to XR, VR, AR, and MR by exploring how these technologies can equip communities to preserve histories and prepare for climate futures. As part of the NEMO project, she works to develop design innovations that address ocean-related impacts of climate change.