Soomi Park

Soomi Park is a Lecturer in the Department of Design at Goldsmiths, University of London. She holds a PhD in Media and Arts Technology from Queen Mary University of London, funded by EPSRC, alongside MA degrees from the Royal College of Art and Hongik University. Her research explores the intersection of emerging technologies, design, and cognitive psychology, focusing on speculative design to investigate human-machine relationships.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Media and Arts Technology), Queen Mary University of London, 2024
• MA in Design Interactions, Royal College of Art, 2013
• MA in Digital Media Design, Hongik University, 2007
• BA in Multimedia and Animation/Visual Communication, Sookmyung Women's University, 2005

Research Interests:

Her work bridges design, robotics, and psychology, with notable projects like Embarrassed Robots and Should Robots Blush? exploring emotional expression in AI. She employs speculative design methodologies to provoke critical discourse on technology’s societal impact. Key themes include privacy (e.g., The Republic of Privacy), wearable tech, and ethical implications of human-robot interaction.

Publications and Media:

Her work has been featured in CHI Conference Proceedings, Frame Magazine, Vogue Paris, and The New York Times. She has presented at venues like Brunel University’s HCI Group and Disegno Podcasts, emphasizing interdisciplinary dialogue.

Awards:

• Designers in Residence, Design Museum (2017)
• Global Design Leader, KIDP (2014)
• ARS Electronica Honorary Mention (2008)

Teaching and Grants:

She leads BA Design Year 1 modules and mentors students. Awards include the 2017 Centre for Public Engagement Grant for the Embarrassed Robots project.

Labs/Teams:

She co-founded ReFlexLab, a design consultancy, and collaborates with institutions like the Design Museum and BT Technology. Ongoing work includes the Design Department Buffets seminar series.