I am dedicated to the development of design projects and teaching practices that extend the boundaries of contemporary design and the sensibilities that surround it. This commitment to the evolution of design thinking is viewed as a school of thought that integrates the realms of the profession and the academy, and which actively engages with the wider design community, both locally and internationally.

At the core of this work is an ongoing study of phenomenological and sensorial approaches to design. This practice examines the cross-modal confluence of the senses, employing the physical and psychological sciences to develop an understanding of the relationship between phenomena, human experience and behavior. The fundamental nature of this methodology informs the design process by engaging in how the world is perceived, understood, and ultimately shaped in ways that address the human sensory apparatus and our emotive responses to designed physical encounters.

The enactment of this practice involves a philosophical and technical engagement with the qualities of light, sound, materiality, geometric pattern, and spatial perception. This cross-disciplinary endeavor embraces a spectrum of design outputs, from the refined crafting of furniture and objects, human-centered interactive and immersive installations, and sustainable approaches to architectural and interior spaces.

ross mcleod

Associate Professor

Design Innovation and Technology

RMIT University