Vanja Garaj

Professor Vanja Garaj serves as Professor of Design and Director of Research for the Brunel Design School within the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences at Brunel University London. He leads key modules including DM5605 Design Innovation Futures and DM5545 Design and Branding Futures across multiple postgraduate programs. Previously, he served as Head of the Department of Design (2018-2021) and Director of Postgraduate Research for Design, demonstrating a sustained leadership role within the institution.

His educational background includes a PhD in Systems Engineering (Human Factors) from Brunel University London, a PgCert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education from the same institution, and a BSc/MDes in Product Design from the University of Zagreb, Croatia. This interdisciplinary foundation supports his innovative approach to design education and research.

Professor Garaj's research spans Inclusive Design, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience, and Human Factors, with particular focus on digital and digital-physical hybrid domains. His work emphasizes human-centered design processes and practical applications in collaboration with industry partners such as Cancer Research UK, NHS, Shell, and BT. He has pioneered the integration of immersive technologies in museum and gallery settings, examining their impact on cultural exchange and user experience.

His extensive publication record reveals a clear trajectory toward accessibility in immersive environments, with recent work focusing on inclusive VR/AR experiences, museum applications of extended reality, and cross-cultural collaborations in digital heritage. The research demonstrates consistent funding support and practical application across multiple sectors.

His scientific achievements have been recognized through prestigious awards including:

• Red Dot Design Award
• Design Week Awards
• D&AD Awards
• Seoul Design Award
• Good Design Awards (USA)
• The Webby Awards
• Design for a Better World Award by Centro Brasil Design
• West London Business Awards

Professor Garaj has secured significant research funding from major organizations including EPSRC, AHRC, ESRC, STFC, Innovate UK, Research England, Arts Council England, and ERDF/GLA. His leadership extends to directing the Brunel Digital Design Lab and co-founding the Design Factory London as part of the global Design Factory Network. His work with students emphasizes goal-oriented experimentation, human-centered design processes, and industry collaboration through live briefs addressing real-world challenges.

As Head of the Brunel Digital Design Lab and Co-Founder of Design Factory London, Professor Garaj leads teams exploring the intersection of design, technology, and human experience. His lab focuses on immersive technologies, inclusive design solutions, and collaborative innovation frameworks that bridge academic research with industry applications across healthcare, cultural heritage, and business sectors.