Ran’s research explores how living organisms can become integral to the design and use of artefacts, examining how such living artefacts can transform product qualities, reshape user needs, create new design opportunities and redefine the relationship between humans and products.

Combining practice-based research with speculative design thinking, her work aims to develop a forward-looking framework for designers, researchers and industry developers working with products that embody living characteristics. This framework seeks to support a more diverse and responsible approach to creating products that convey a sense of livingness.

Research Areas