Life Cycles, Loss, and Leadership: Designing Regenerative Futures in the Performing Arts

Through systems, foresight, and design research, this MRP explores what systems and mindsets are influencing performing arts nonprofits today and imagines a bold future where organizational life cycles and endings are reframed as vital and regenerative practices that sustain the people, the practice, and the power of the form itself. The output is a written report and the description of an Aspirational Future where the value of the arts is redefined, leadership is reimagined, and the sector has embraced impermanence and regenerative organizational practices. This is accompanied by two artifacts and various calls to collective action

Punk Games: DIY Punk in game making

The game industry is in crisis and is unwelcome to game makers. The DIY punk ethos (a set of principles rooted in do-it-yourself, anti-establishment, counterculture and direct action to create local scenes) provides a sustainable framework for art practicing and community making. What if we could apply the DIY punk ethos to the game industry? Would we be able to formulate strategies to address the crisis and make the game industry more welcome to game makers? Punk Games is a research project that examines the DIY punk ethos and applies it to game making to provide sustainable alternatives for action to game makers. By using the DIY punk ethos, building upon similar game making movements like art games, queer games, and personal games, a framework to make punk games is created, separated in three stages: ethos, action and scene. This project uses a research-for-creation methodology to create a punk games framework that is tested through the creation of two punk game sketches and a zine that exemplifies punk games in their conception, making and engagement with the community

From Method of Loci to Digital Mnemonics: AI, AR, and the Future of Memory

In today's world, the sheer volume of information challenges our ability to remember effectively, prompting innovative approaches to cognitive support. This thesis explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) can work together to enrich memory. Building on traditional methods such as the Method of Loci (Memory Palace Technique), the study uses the Research through Design (RtD) and Speculative Design approach to iteratively develop and experiment with prototypes that integrate AI-generated cues with AR experiences in real-world settings. These prototypes serve as artifacts that actively explore the future of memory support. This work offers fresh insights into the interplay of AI, AR, and Human Memory, guiding the development of innovative approaches to potentially enhance memory

In Black & White & Red/بالأبيض وأسود وأحمر

From 1982 onwards, Palestinian photographic and film archives have been repeatedly targeted and emptied by the Israeli government, resulting in a significant loss of Palestinian visual culture. The Israeli government continues to hold and censor this material by preventing scholars, Palestinian scholars especially, from accessing the images; citing 'safety and security concerns'. Established research asserts this was done as an act of 'memoricide', commonly defined as the colonial overwriting of history. In this case it would be erasing Palestinian presence to fortify Israeli claims of indigeneity. This paper poses an alternative interpretation: that this censorship is an attempt to weaken or prevent future Palestinian resistance, as well as global Anti-Zionist resistance movements. Ergo, that memory and the archives (both those of the state and the mundane) have acted, and continue to act, as a cornerstone of Arab resistance against the influences of racism, colonialism, imperialism, and Zionism. Drawing on both archival and contemporary Palestinian photography, this research aims to track the qualities of resistance embedded within the images which have persisted. Complementing this will be a case study of South African struggle documentary photography, and Indigenous archival reclamations to observe the decolonial methodologies within photographic practices; through examination and comparison to Palestinian resistance photography, similarities and differences in tactics of resistance will be identified, allowing for specific location of these images' significance within shared memory. Despite all this, it may appear insignificant whether the archives were looted to support a narrative or to prevent resistance. Regardless of the reason, they were, and are, taken. This research asserts that it allows for more focused resistance and a clearer understanding of what may be enfeebling the current resistance. Keywords: Palestine, Israel, Archive, Photography, Fil

Knowledge transfer and decision making in municipal government: A case study on The City of Calgary

This study explores the challenges and opportunities of knowledge transfer and decision making within The City of Calgary's municipal government. The primary research question investigates how knowledge transfer between Line staff, Middle management, and Leadership can be improved to better inform decision making processes. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to capture perspectives from two functional areas. Key findings highlight the impact of organizational structure, culture, and trust on knowledge sharing and decision making. The results suggest adopting flexible organizational structures, fostering a culture of openness to improve trust, enhanced communication channels, and developing creating inclusive communication and connection practices to enhance collaboration and achieve citizen-focused outcomes. These insights offer a roadmap for transforming municipal governance through strategic knowledge management and inclusive decision making

TacTile: Designing, Developing, and Playing a Personal eTextile Musical Instrument

This thesis explores the design, development, and use of a touch-sensitive digital musical instrument called TacTile that is inspired by elements of the electric guitar and piano. The project features an eTextile-based matrix sensing method, custom software implementation and digital fabrication processes that inform its tactile, expressive and responsive qualities. This study asks two interrelated primary research questions: what can be learned by designing, developing and using a new electronic musical instrument that focuses on my needs as a musician—specifically tactility and control intimacy; and how the design, development and use of this instrument alter the experience of making music. Following a Research Through Design methodology, this project employs Iterative Prototyping to refine the instrument. The instrument is evaluated through Reflective Use for specific musical tasks by practicing and performing with it. This thesis culminates in a discussion about TacTile’s unique properties, gestural affordances, and idiomaticity—examining how these aspects shape music creation through the instrument

Navigating Financial Systems: Addressing Digital Banking Barriers for East Asian Immigrants in Canada

This research explores the mobile banking experiences of Mandarin-speaking newcomers in Toronto, with a focus on the role of in-app chatbots in supporting or hindering their financial interactions. Using an inclusive design research approach, the study combined semi-structured interviews and a participatory co-design session to identify usability challenges and explore design opportunities. Thematic analysis of five interviews revealed four major pain points: uncertainty about chatbot capacity, confusion caused by irrelevant information, cognitive overload from complex app interfaces, and a lack of support in understanding Canada’s credit system. These themes guided a co-design workshop involving seven participants who contributed reflective feedback and proposed improvements to current user experience designs. Findings suggest that the information architecture of the current banking app is overwhelming for newcomers, and the information is often overflowed. Also, while chatbots hold potential to streamline banking workflows, their current implementations often fall short due to generic responses, poor contextual understanding, and lack of multilingual support. The research highlights the need for more transparent, culturally responsive, and linguistically inclusive design strategies. The resulting prototype proposes a simplified information architecture and a context-aware chatbot flow that together aim to enhance user confidence and financial autonomy among Mandarin-speaking newcomers. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on inclusive fintech design and call for deeper engagement with marginalized users in the development of digital financial services

Towards Responsible Innovation in Neurotechnology: A comprehensive framework and evaluation tool

Neurotechnology is a rapidly advancing field that enhances our understanding of the brain, consciousness, and complex cognitive functions. While it holds great potential for improving daily life of people with disabilities and reshaping concepts of human-technology integration, it also poses significant risks. Improper use of neurotechnology can harm individuals, raising concerns about identity, autonomy, privacy, and safety. The differentiating line between medical and non-medical neurotechnology is blurred, with the term ‘neurotechnology’ itself remaining loosely defined. The policy initiatives surrounding neurotechnology are still evolving and there are gaps in translating the existing policies into actions or evaluating the progress of the actions in a neurotechnology enterprise. This major research project explores the policy landscape of neurotechnology through the lens of responsive innovation. The design outcome of this project is a comprehensive framework and evaluation tool for responsible innovation in neurotechnology. The tool is designed for regulatory bodies to evaluate the status or progress of neurotechnology enterprises in responsible innovation. The Responsible Neurotechnology Framework (RNF) has four key components: governance, user, data, and technology. This is foundational in guiding stakeholders to the key areas to focus during the neurotechnology life cycle. The accompanying Responsible Neurotechnology Evaluation Tool (RNET) outlines the actions that are evidence of responsible innovation in the organizational practices of a neurotechnology enterprise. RNET serves as a tool for regulatory bodies to assess the status of responsible innovation within an enterprise and to monitor its progress over time against the four key components of the framework. By supporting both point-in-time assessment and ongoing progress monitoring, the design artifact helps ensure that neurotechnology innovations align with ethical standards, regulatory expectations, and societal needs. This project demonstrates how inclusive design can inform the governance of emerging technologies, ensuring that innovation is not only accessible but also ethically grounded, user-centered, and socially accountable

Best Work is 6 Feet Under, Ceremony in the Dirt

The importance of the sacrifices in artistic creation, highlighting the deep emotional and spiritual journey involved reflects on the balance between personal loss and the fulfillment of contributing to others' lives through reflection of journey moccasin bundle making. The exploration of cultural identity, spirituality, and personal growth, guided by ancestral connections and the mentorship of seeking knowledge from outside sources while embracing one's own heritage (Kay Sr., 1980 - 1990) and research preparations (Kovach, 2021, 56 - 57) is profound. An ancient practice symbolizing sacrifice, transformation, and data collection through moccasin bundle makers approach in beadwork uses sources of strength and inspiration in creative endeavors. Through beadwork, and spiritual practices, they express their full identity and affirm their place in the world, guided by the teachings of ancestral knowledge (Walker, 1982, 107). The creative process is a continuous cycle of reflection and opportunities for growth. It navigates a path and ultimately decides what practices will serve the development of spiritual journey moccasin bundles. The journey moccasin bundle maker’s work is a profound intersection of personal and cultural history, spiritual purpose, and emotional resonance, with a commitment to supporting others and honoring traditional practices of beadwork. The exchange is a multifaceted process involving spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional elements, deeply rooted in tradition and respect for ancestral knowledge. It culminates in a meaningful connection between the journey moccasin bundle maker, the journey moccasin bundle, and the journey moccasin bundle keeper (Robertson et al., 2024, 147,figure 7.9)

Reimagining End-of-Life Care: Bridging System Gaps in Hospitals and Intensive Care Units (ICUs) to Redesign the Experience of Dying

This Major Research Project explores how end-of-life care in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) can be reimagined to ensure the dying's dignity, autonomy, and emotional well-being. Despite the curative focus of acute hospital care, a significant proportion of patients die in ICUs—often surrounded by invasive technologies, under stress, and without adequate emotional, spiritual, or relational support. The guiding research question asks: How might we redesign the ICU experience to ensure all patients achieve a “good death” that reflects their values, minimizes suffering, and incorporates patient-centered design, spirituality, dignity, and cultural dimensions into the dying process? Employing a human-centered design and strategic foresight approach, the study draws on qualitative interviews with palliative care physicians, policy advisors, and interdisciplinary practitioners and a survey of loved ones who have firsthand ICU and hospital experience of their loved one’s death. Methodologies include system mapping, speculative interventions, and thematic analysis. Findings reveal critical gaps in current care, including poor communication, lack of continuity of care, and minimal emotional or cultural support for patients and families. Participants emphasized the need for earlier integration of palliative care, team-based approaches, and a broader definition of the “patient", including loved ones, spiritual care providers, artists, designers and community. The project offers future-oriented recommendations and calls to action to inform more compassionate, inclusive, and relationally grounded ICU design, reframing the experience of dying as a meaningful part of life, rather than a medical failur