Fangzhou Dong
Dr Fangzhou Dong
Dr Fangzhou Dong is a lecturer in the Master of Industrial Design program at Monash University’s Suzhou campus. This program offers a double master’s degree jointly delivered by Monash Art, Design and Architecture and Southeast University in China.
Fangzhou’s research work lies at the intersection of culture and design, with a particular focus on design ethnography and design futures. Her PhD at the University of Liverpool takes wedding culture in China as a case study to examine how cultural rituals can be critically addressed and influenced through speculative design practices. Fangzhou's academic background integrates multiple disciplines, enabling her to explore how design can be informed and shaped by cultural contexts. She holds a Bachelor’s in Industrial Design from Dalian University of Technology in China and a Masters in Design Informatics from the University of Edinburgh, which has provided her with a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical design approaches.
Throughout her career, Fangzhou has developed a strong interest in culture-centered design theories and methodologies, focusing on how cultural narratives, practices, and values can be intricately woven into design processes to create meaningful, inclusive, and contextually relevant futures. Her current research aims to broaden the scope beyond speculative design into the expansive realm of design futures. Fangzhou seeks to foster a dialogue that emphasizes the intersection of culture and design, encouraging designers and stakeholders to reflect on the long-term cultural, ethical, and societal implications of their work within a forward-thinking framework.