Gesche Joost

Prof. Dr. Gesche Joost is the Head of the Design Research Lab at the Berlin University of the Arts and holds affiliations with the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), Weizenbaum Institute for the Networked Society, and Einsteincenter Digital Future (ECDF).

Her research focuses on the intersection of digital transformation, human-computer interaction, and socially sustainable design, particularly examining:

• Participatory design for marginalized groups
• Wearable computing and tangible interfaces
• Digital sovereignty and inclusive governance
• Gender studies in technology contexts
• Material interactions in urban environments

Her publications analyze proxemic mobile design, affective haptics, and critical approaches to digital infrastructure. Key projects include MINODU for local sustainable development, MYOW for DIY wearables, and Calliope gGmbH for children's digital education. She serves on the supervisory boards of SAP, ING, and Ottobock and has contributed to policy through the German government's Federal Internet Ambassador role (2014–2018).