معرفی
Associate Professor Shanti Sumartojo is a design researcher at Monash University's Department of Design (Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture). Her work focuses on experiential research involving robotics in public spaces, commemorative practices, and lighting design. With a PhD in Sociology from ANU and postdoctoral research at ANU and RMIT, she leads the WonderLab initiative, exploring equitable futures through design. Her interdisciplinary projects include $3M+ in research funding from national councils and private partners. Key collaborations include robot policy frameworks with government agencies and COP28's 'Tomorrow Party' workshops for climate action. Awards include multiple Good Design Awards for innovative projects.
Research interests span robot geographies, digital commemoration, and sensory ethnography. She investigates how technology and design shape public spaces, particularly through projects like 'Light and Value' (hospital lighting) and 'Commemoration Reframed' (WWI centenary studies). Her methods emphasize creative engagement and participatory design to address societal challenges. Current projects include EU-funded work on migrant children's education and WHO partnerships on climate health advocacy.
Awards highlight her impact in policy design and social innovation, with notable recognition for 'The Tomorrow Party' (2024) and 'City Sensing Data Futures' (2023). Grants include ARC funding for robot policy design and AHRC support for literacy practices. Her lab, WonderLab, fosters cross-disciplinary teams to reimagine urban futures through speculative design and co-creation.
