Waikato University Strengthens Design Education with Appointment of Dr. Sosa

Dr. Ricardo Sosa Takes Charge of University of Waikato’s New Transdisciplinary Design School

The University of Waikato is taking a bold step forward in redefining design education by establishing a new School of Design. To lead this transformative initiative, the university has appointed Dr. Ricardo Sosa, a globally renowned expert in creative and industrial design. Currently serving as Program Director at the University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design, and Planning, Dr. Sosa will assume his role as Professor of Creative Design at Waikato in July. With a vision to integrate design education across diverse disciplines, he aims to develop an innovative curriculum that will elevate the program’s influence and recognition on both national and international levels. This endeavor underscores the University of Waikato’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge education and interdisciplinary collaboration.

With extensive experience in design practice, education, and research, Dr. Sosa has led various initiatives, such as the creation of new design programs, research labs, and collaborations with industry and local communities. He expressed enthusiasm about his new role, looking forward to working closely with the Waikato community to build upon the existing design group’s excellent work. He emphasised his vision of establishing an innovative design school that fosters interdisciplinary education, research, and professional practice.

Dr. Sosa holds a Bachelor of Design (Hons) from Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana in Mexico and a PhD from the University of Sydney. His career has focused on participatory design with Indigenous communities in Mexico, interactive learning systems, and academic roles at institutions such as Monash University, Auckland University of Technology, and Singapore University of Technology and Design, in addition to his experience in the private sector.

His research interests are broad, covering the future of design education, creativity in co-design, computational simulations of learning, Indigenous and decolonial design, and design research methodologies. Dr. Sosa is currently an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Design Creativity and Innovation, an Editorial Board member for She Ji - the Journal of Design, Economics and Innovation, and the Journal of Design Research. Dr. Sosa’s appointment marks a significant step toward elevating design education at the University of Waikato. His extensive expertise and innovative approach are expected to shape the future of the university’s design programs.

Editor’s Note:

Dr. Ricardo Sosa's appointment as the head of the University of Waikato’s new School of Design marks a transformative step in the institution’s commitment to shaping the future of design education. With his extensive global experience and innovative approach, Dr. Sosa is poised to elevate the university's design programs, fostering a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment that blends academic excellence with industry relevance. 
His leadership will undoubtedly drive forward-thinking initiatives, enhancing the curriculum and forging deeper connections between design practice, research, and community engagement.

According to Skoobuzz, this appointment signals the university’s continued dedication to preparing the next generation of creative professionals for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.