Human first | Designer second
Rama Gheerawo is an international and inspirational figure within design. He is a serial innovator in the fields of Inclusive Design, Design Thinking and Creative Leadership having personally led over 100 projects working internationally with governments, business, academia and the third sector. He won a ‘Hall of Fame’ award for his work at the Design Week Awards in 2019 and was named a 2018 Creative Leaders by Creative Review alongside Paul Smith and Björk.
Empathy is at the heart of his practice. As Director of the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design, he uses design to address society’s toughest issues from ageing and healthcare, to ability and diversity. He looks at how to instigate positive change in individuals and organisations through personal research in Creative Leadership, with workshops delivered globally to thousands of people including 700 civil servants. He is in high demand as a keynote speaker, and writes, curates exhibitions and runs workshops for audiences that range from students to business executives.
Rama sits on a number of advisory boards and committees for awards, universities and organisations such as the UK Design Council, The International Association for Universal Design, UX India, the Design Management Institute and the Design Intelligence Awards. He has worked as a Visiting Professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and the Katowice Academy of Fine Art.
Key details
School, Centre or Area
Research projects
More information
Practice
Rama has experience in the creative industry having worked in the automotive, product design and multimedia design sectors. He writes, publishes, lectures and curates exhibitions on design to audiences that include students, academics, designers, industry and government.
He believes that good design can significantly improve and transform people's lives and is interested in evolving the role of designers to involve people in the creative process as active contributors and equal voices in the process.
Knowledge transfer to business is delivered to companies internationally through executive education modules that Rama has created. Supporting material includes publications and presentations. This strand of research aims to engage people involved in specifying, managing or practising design. The work builds on the Helen Hamlyn Research Associates Programme where over 200 projects have been completed with over 100 organisations including: Samsung; Toyota; Intel; B&Q; the NHS and GlaxoSmithKline.
Rama also concentrates on creating effective mechanisms for knowledge transfer and has run workshops at universities, design organisations and corporations in venues across the world, including California and China. As a keynote speaker, he advocates the benefits of design and a more socially-inclusive approach.
Rama is keen to expand the role of inclusive design, looking at how it can become more business-ready and engaged with current social issues.
Publications, exhibitions, other outcomes
Books
Gheerawo, R (ed) (2014) ‘INVENTory: 7 years, 7 collaborative design projects’. BlackBerry and The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design, London
Eikhaug, O. & Gheerawo, R. (eds) (2010) Innovating with People: the Business of Inclusive Design, Norwegian Design Council, Norway
Kunur, M. & Gheerawo, R. (2007) Connections: Mobility, Ageing and Independence, Helen Hamlyn Centre, RCA, London
Book Chapters
Gheerawo, R. & Harrow, D. (2017) Driverless Cars in the Age of Ageing, In: NEW OLD: Designing for Our Future Selves. Design Museum, London, UK, pp. 118-123. ISBN 978 187 2005553
Gheerawo, R. & Donahue S. (2011) 'On the Edges of Ageing' Chapter in Volume 29, pp100-103, Stichting Archis, Netherlands, ISBN 09789077966297
Gheerawo, R. (2011) 'The Designer's Tale' in The New Millennium Tales, Involve Millennium, Shipley, UK. ISBN 978-1-908616-02-9
Bichard, J. & Gheerawo, R. (2010) 'The Designer as Ethnographer: Practical Projects from Industry' in Design Anthropology: Object Culture in the 21st Century' SpringerWien New York, USA
Vavik, T. & Gheerawo R. (2009) 'The Challenges in Universal Design' in Inclusive Buildings, Products & Services', Tapir Academic Press, Norway. pp4-24
Gheerawo, R. (2007) 'Five Stages to Innovation: Delivering Inclusive Design' in Gheerawo, R. (ed.) Vital Signs, Helen Hamlyn Centre, London
Gheerawo, R. (2006) 'Two Worlds Collide: Innovation through Inclusive Design' in Human Frame, Helen Hamlyn Centre, London
Gheerawo, R. & Donahue, S. (2004) 'Introducing User-centred Design Methods into Design Education' in Designing a More Inclusive World', Keates, S., Clarkson, PJ., Langdon, P. & Robinson, P. (eds.) Springer-Verlag, London. pp21-30
Gheerawo, R. & Lebbon, C. (2002) 'Inclusive Design: Developing Theory through Practice' in Designing a More Inclusive World, Keates, S., Langdon, P., Clarkson, PJ. & Robinson, P. (eds.) Springer-Verlag, London. pp43-52
Gheerawo, R. & Lebbon, C. (2002) 'Towards a Better World' in Design and Emotion, McDonagh, D., Hekkert, P., Gyi, D. & von Erp. J, (eds.) Taylor & Francis, London
Peer-reviewed Journals
Guest editor for the following journals:
(2013) The Design Journal
(2012) Journal of Design Philosophy Papers
(2011) Journal of Design Philosophy Papers
(2010): The Journal of Usability Studies
Co-authored chapters
Gheerawo, R. & Harrow, D. (2017) Driverless Cars in the Age of Ageing, In: NEW OLD: Designing for Our Future Selves. Design Museum, London, UK, pp. 118-123. ISBN 978 187 2005553
Donahue, S., Gheerawo, R., & Willis, AM. (eds) (2012) 'Design Beyond Designers' second special edition, Journal of Design Philosophy Papers
Donahue, S., Gheerawo, R., & Willis, AM. (eds) (2012) 'Design Beyond Designers', Editorial, 1st special edition, Journal of Design Philosophy Papers
Liem, A., Swierenga, S. & Gheerawo, R. (2010) 'Encompassing Universal Design Approach in ICT' in The Journal of Usability Studies, Vol. 5, Issue 4, pp129-131, August 2010
Gheerawo, R. & Bichard, J. (2008) 'Living Independently: Accessing Aspirations for Kitchen Design' in Access by Design: The Journal of the Centre for Accessible Environments, Issue 114 Spring 2008
Conference Proceedings (selected)
West, J., Wojdecka, A., Matthews, E., Gheerawo, R., Hardy, A., Garety, P. (2016) SlowMo: Inclusive design to improve therapy for paranoid and suspicious thoughts. International Conference on Universal Design, Nagoya
Lockton, D., Bowden, F., Brass, C. & Gheerawo, R. (2014) `Powerchord: Towards ambient appliance-level electricity use feedback through real-time sonification', at UCAmI 2014: 8th International Conference on Ubiquitous Computing & Ambient Intelligence, Belfast, 2-5 December 2014
Gaudion, K. (2013) Poster and Presentation, 10th Autism-Europe International Congress, Budapest, Hungary
Gheerawo, R. (2012) ‘Universal Design Universal Challenges: Progressing People-centred Design in the 21st Century’, 4th International Conference for Universal Design, IAUD, Fukuoka, Japan
Timlin, G. & Gheerawo, R. (2012) ‘Design and Dementia: Using Universal Design processes to Improve Service and Design Innovation’ in proceedings for the 4th International Conference for Universal Design, IAUD, Fukuoka, Japan
Gheerawo, R., Bichard, J., Gaggero, C., Muhammad, Y. & Westaway, A. (2010) 'Digital Barriers: Making Technology Work for People' in proceedings for the 3rd International Conference for Universal Design, IAUD, Hamamatsu, Japan, October 2010
Gheerawo, R. & Donahue, S. (2010) 'Social Sustainability: The Challenges Facing Universal Design' in proceedings for the 3rd International Conference for Universal Design, IAUD, Hamamatsu, Japan, October 2010
Eihaug, O. & Gheerawo, R. (2010) 'Innovation for All - Working with Government to Affect Business' in proceedings for the 3rd International Conference for Universal Design, IAUD, Hamamatsu, Japan, October 2010
Gheerawo, R. & Donahue, S. (2009) 'Inclusive Design 2.0 - Evolving the Approach and Meeting New Challenges' in proceedings for Include 2009, Helen Hamlyn Centre, London, UK, April 2009
Eihaug, O., Stavik, J., Storheil, S. & Gheerawo, R. (2009) 'Inclusive Norway - building an approach through design innovation with industry' in proceedings for Include 2009, Helen Hamlyn Centre, London, UK, April 2009
Gheerawo, R. & Bichard, J. (2008) 'Accessing Aspirations - Inspirational Kitchen and Bathroom Design for Older People' Abstract published in International Federation of Ageing 9th Global Conference ' Ageing & Design' Montreal 4-7 September
McGinley, C., Gheerawo, R. & Slater, A. (2008) 'Enlightened: Designing domestic lighting for older people' Abstract published in International Federation of Ageing 9th Global Conference ' Ageing & Design' Montreal 4-7 September
Gheerawo, R. & Matthews, E. (2008) 'Academia and industry: managing knowledge transfer to improve patient safety' in proceedings, International DMI Education Conference,14-15 April, Cergy-Pointoise, France
Gheerawo, R. & Bound, J. (2007) 'Ideas and innovations: How 'Trend surfing' Can Become a Powerful Tool in Design' Abstract published in Future Trends Conference, Miami 11-14 November 2007
Hirai, Y., Ohnuki, K., Takeoka, A., Kitamura, S. & Gheerawo, R. (2007) 'Evaluation of Qualitative Design Tool Case Study: Image Card' Include 2007, RCA, London
Kecman, M., Gheerawo, R. & Scott, R. (2007) 'Generation Game: Making Wi-Fi devices more inclusive' Include 2007, RCA, London
Gheerawo, R., Kunur, M. & Harrow, D. (2006) 'Beyond Product Design: User-centred design methods for vehicle designers', proceedings of 3rd Cambridge Workshop on Universal Access and Assistive Technology, Clarkson, PJ., Langdon, P., Robinson, P. & Goodman, J. (eds.) ISSN: 0963-5432 pp. 3-12
Gheerawo, R. & Myerson, J. (2006) 'Living Independently - Inspirational Kitchen and Bathroom Design for Older People', 2nd Conference of International Association for Universal Design (IAUD), Kyoto, Japan (won Best Paper Award)
Gheerawo, R. & Donahue, S. (2005) 'Beyond Product Design: Inclusive design in education', Include 2005, RCA, London
Gheerawo, R., Lebbon, C. & Donahue, S. (2004) 'Inclusive Design in Practice: Working with students and educators', Designing for the 21st Century III Adaptive Environments International Conference on Universal Design, Boston, USA
Gheerawo, R. & Cassim, J. (2003) 'Education and Practice of Inclusive Design at Student Level', Include 2003, RCA, London
Coleman, R. & Gheerawo, R. (2002) 'Working with Students and Critical Users to Develop Inclusive/Universal Design Concepts and Solutions', 1st Conference of International Association for Universal Design (IAUD), Yokohama, Japan
Articles
Gheerawo, R. (2011) 'The Designer's Tale' in The New Millennium Tales, Involve Millennium, Shipley, UK. ISBN 978-1-908616-02-9
Gheerawo, R. & Donahue S. (2011) 'On the Edges of Ageing' Chapter in Volume 29, pp. 100-103, Stichting Archis, Netherlands, ISBN 09789077966297
Donahue, S., Gheerawo, R., & Willis, AM. (eds) (2011) 'Beyond Progressive Design Part 1', Editorial, 1st special edition, Journal of Design Philosophy Papers, issue 3
Gheerawo, R. & Bichard J. (2011) 'Support Strategy', New Design, issue 87, pp32-37
Gheerawo, R. (2011) 'Human-Centered Design, i-do workshop: Supporting Ageing with Design', Hong Kong Polytechnic University, pp24-27
Gheerawo, R. (2010) 'Smart Talking, in Innovate magazine, InnovationRCA. London, Issue 7, pp12-13
Gheerawo, R. & Myerson, J. (eds) (2008) 'Living Proof', October edition of newsletter, Design for All Institute, India, Vol.3, No.10
Gheerawo, R. (2008) 'Cutting Edge', in Innovate magazine, InnovationRCA. London, Issue 5, pp22-23
Gheerawo R. (2007) 'Pensioner Power: the Rise of the Silver Shopper', in Packaging Professional magazine
Keynote and Invited Presentations
Gheerawo, R. (2017) Design: Powering Innovation and Social Impact. Alien Summer Camp, Amorfous Festival, InnovAthens, Elefsis, Greece
Gheerawo, R. (2017) The creative magic of working with people:: Design in the 21st Century.. AGRAFA 2017 Attitudes, Katowice, Poland
Gheerawo, R. (2017) Design.Different: The power of a people-centred approach. Healthcare Inc, University of Gothenburg
Gheerawo, R. (2017) Humanising Healthcare, TEDx NHS, LondonWest, J., Gheerawo, R. (2016) A Storm is Coming Keynote at GIANT conference, London, November 2016
Gheerawo, R. (2017) Design: Powering Innovation and Social Impact. Alien Summer Camp, Amorfous Festival, InnovAthens, Elefsis, Greece
Gheerawo, R. (2017) The creative magic of working with people:: Design in the 21st Century.. AGRAFA 2017 Attitudes, Katowice, Poland
Gheerawo, R. (2017) Design.Different: The power of a people-centred approach. Healthcare Inc, University of Gothenburg
Gheerawo, R. (2017) Humanising Healthcare, TEDx NHS, LondonGheerawo, R. (2013) ‘User-centred Design’, Inclusive Design, King Fahd University, Saudi Arabia
Gheerawo, R. (2013) ‘Alternative perspectives: Building for remaining abilities not disabled people’, Inclusive Design, Accessibility and Sustainability in Adaptive Architecture, Naidex, UK
Gheerawo, R. (2013) ‘Design Thinking and People-centred Innovation’, Inclusive Design Workshop, Norwegian Design Council, Kristiansand, Norway
Gheerawo, R. (2013) ‘Making a Difference: Building and Age-Inclusive Attitude’, launch event, Channel 4, Mature Marketing Association, London
Gheerawo, R. (2013) 'A People-centred Approach to Design', Life Course Development, Birkbeck College, May
Gheerawo, R. (2013) 'From 3 to 30', Ageing better by Design - Design Council Special Panel, Cheltenham Design Festival, April
Gheerawo, R. (2013) 'Design for Later Life: A People-centred Approach', New Dynamics of Ageing, Open University, January
Gheerawo, R. (2012) 'From 3 to 30: Design and Ageing 2030', Designing 2030 for the over 60s, Design Challenge Knowledge Week, Design Research Institute, RMIT, December
Gheerawo, R. (2012) 'From 3 to 30: Design and Ageing in the 21st Century', Ageing 2.0, Google London, November
Gheerawo, R. (2012) 'Design, Health and Patient Safety: A people-centred Approach to Innovation', Design medical - Inventer les modes de soins de demain, Cite Du Design, November
Gheerawo, R. (2012) 'Universal Design, Universal Challenges: Progressing People-centred Design in the 21st Century', the 4th International Conference for Universal Design, IAUD, Fukuoka, Japan, October
Gheerawo, R. (2012) 'Ageing and Design: Global Business Perspectives', Knowledge of Design Week, Hong Kong Design Centre, June
Gheerawo, R. (2012) 'The Social Value of Inclusive Design', European Business Workshops on Inclusive Design, Norwegian Design Council, June
Gheerawo, R. (2012) 'Living Environments: Housing and Products for All' IFA 11th Global Conference on Ageing, International Federation of Ageing, Prague, May
Gheerawo, R. (2012) 'Connected Communities: Inclusive Digital Products and Services' Cities for All conference, Ornamo, Helsinki, May
Gheerawo, R. (2012) 'The Problem Comes First' Centre for International Research on Care, Labour and Equalities, Leeds University, May
Gheerawo, R. (2012) 'Inclusive Design: A People-centred Approach, Norwegian Design Council, Oslo, Norway, March
Gheerawo, R. (2012) 'Inclusive Design: Teaching the Teachers', KHIO Oslo National Academy of the Arts, Oslo, Norway, January
Gheerawo, R. (2011) 'Design and Health', Living Labs Global, Eindhoven, The Netherlands, November 2011
Gheerawo, R. (2011) 'Design London Story, Design as Service conference, Dutch Design Week, TU Delft Conference Centre, Eindhoven, The Netherlands, October
Gheerawo, R. and Bichard, J. (2011) 'Using Design Ethnography', Design & Innovation conference, Moholy-Nagy University, Hungary, October
Gheerawo, R. (2011) 'Social Concerns: A People-centred Approach to Service Architecture', Service Architecture Competition Launch, City of Marjaa-Vantaa, Finland, September
Gheerawo, R. (2011) 'The Role of Ethnographical Research in Design Thinking', Design Thinking Lab 2011, British Higher School of Design, Moscow, Russia, July
Gheerawo, R. (2011) 'Consumer Matters: A People-centred Approach to Design', Knowledge of Design Week, Hong Kong Design Centre, Hong Kong, China
Gheerawo, R. (2011) Ageing with Panache', RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), London, UK, June
Gheerawo, R. (2011) 'The Role of Ethnographical Research in Design Thinking', Design Thinking Lab 2011, British Higher School of Design, Moscow, Russia
Gheerawo, R. (2011) On the Move: How good Mobility can create Community', 2nd International Conference Cities For All - Tallinn For All, Estonian Designers Association, Tallinn, Estonia, May
Gheerawo, R. (2011) 'The Older Consumer - the Business Case for Inclusive Design', Business of Ageing conference, Aging Well Network, Dublin, Ireland, March
Gheerawo, R. (2011) 'Closer to the Consumer: a People-centred Design Approach', Engage Seminar, AgeUK, London, UK, January
Gheerawo, R. (2011) 'Getting Closer to Your Customer', INDM Seminar, Norwegian Design Council, Oslo, Norway, May
Gheerawo, R. (2011) 'Introducing Inclusive Design: a People-centred Design Approach', Student workshop, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway, January
Gheerawo, R. (2010) 'Social Concerns: Getting Closer to your Consumer', Research Symposium, Research In Motion, Waterloo, Canada, December 2010
Gheerawo, R. (2010) 'Making Technology Work for Older People', WorkTech, Unwired, London, UK, November
Gheerawo, R. (2010) 'Closer to the Consumer: a Competitive Edge Through Design', lecture tour, Innovation Norway and the Norwegian Design Council, Bergen and Trondheim, Norway, November
Gheerawo, R. (2010) 'A People-centred Approach to Design', Culminatum Innovation and Design London, Helsinki, Finland, November
Gheerawo, R. (2010) 'Designing to Make a Difference', Barcelona Design Week, Barcelona Centre de Disseny, Barcelona, Spain, October
Gheerawo, R. (2010) 'Inclusive Design and Industry', Design for Humanity conference, Design information Centre, Riga, Latvia, October
Gheerawo, R. (2010) 'Design to Make a Difference: An Inclusive Approach', ReD conference, Hong Kong Design Centre, Hong Kong, China, June
Gheerawo, R. (2009) 'A People-centred Approach to Design', BSI Consumer & Public Interest Network, British Standards Institute, London, UK, December
Gheerawo, R. (2009) 'Living Inclusively: Design for Aspiration', 1st International Congress on Design For All, Fundación ONCE, Malaga, Spain, October
Gheerawo, R. (2009) 'The Art of Research', ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, USA, May
Gheerawo, R. (2009) 'Working with the Consumer to Innovate', Danish Technological Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark, April
Gheerawo, R. (2008) 'Social Concerns: Centring your Design Approach around People', Institute for Human Centered Design, Boston, USA, February
External collaborations
- Fellow, the Royal College of Art
- Freeman, the Worshipful Company of Carmen and Reader for RCA Vehicle Design
- Deputy Chair, Paper Review Committee, Include conference series
- Member, Approval committee, AgeOK kite mark run by Engage, the business network for Age UK
- Jury Member, Inclusive Design Awards, Design for All Foundation
- UK Director, EIDD Design for All Europe
- Internal Examiner, RCA Vehicle Design