Simone Taffe

Prof Simone Taffe is a Professor in Communication Design and Associate Dean Research at Swinburne University of Technology's School of Design and Architecture. She leads research in participatory design, bridging industry experience with academic rigor. Her work emphasizes end-user engagement in design projects, with national/international recognition through real-world applications. Awards include the Australian Award for Teaching Excellence (2017) and multiple OLT Citations for innovative problem-based learning. She holds leadership roles in Swinburne's Centre for Transformative Media Technologies, Smart Cities Research Institute (Urban Decision Making theme), and SWAN Women's Academic Network.

Research focuses on codesign methodologies, digital/remote collaboration, and inclusive design practices. She has advised numerous PhD projects on topics ranging from food waste reduction to cultural preservation. Active in professional networks, she serves on editorial boards (e.g., CoDesign Journal) and committees for institutional initiatives.

Her creative outputs include data visualizations addressing sustainability and museum design projects prioritizing community agency. Teaching innovations include frameworks for branding education and reflective design pedagogy.