Danielah Martinez

Danielah Martinez is an Associate Lecturer of Industrial Design at the School of Built Environment, University of New South Wales (UNSW), and a PhD Candidate at the School of Art and Design, UNSW. With a professional background in product graphics, color/materials/finish design, and surface/textile design, she integrates critical and participatory design methodologies into socially-engaged research. Her academic and creative practice spans residential and commercial projects with Australian and international architecture firms, as well as industry collaborations in small appliances, while challenging normative design frameworks through human-centered approaches.

• Research Focus: Critical design, participatory design, socially-engaged methodologies, and humanistic design practices.
• Teaching: Leads design studio and technical courses in the Bachelor of Design and Industrial Design specialisation, supervising honors students in care and design topics.
• Engagement: Holds the role of Student Experience Co-ordinator at the School of Built Environment (2024–present).

Research Trends: Her recent work explores intersections between design innovation, societal well-being, and material experimentation. This includes aging population studies (via participatory design), caring methodologies for future selves, and advanced fabrication techniques like ceramic 3D printing.

Scientific Awards:

• Australian Good Design Gold Award (2023) for Overlay Rugs in the Product - Furniture and Lighting category.

Teaching & Supervision: Teaches Industrial Design Studio 2A/2B and Materials and Manufacturing for Industrial Designers 1, while supervising honors students in care-focused design research.