Gareth McMurchy

I am a PhD researcher based in Open Lab, focusing on Designing IoT for Neighbourhoods, Communities and Public Spaces. Originally from a remote coastal town in the west coast of Scotland, I have studied Product Design since 2015 - beginning with a HNC at City of Glasgow College, before subsequently completing my undergraduate and masters degrees at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee.

During my studies I developed an interest in how design can become a tool not just for solving problems, but for investigating and speculating upon important social and cultural issues - particularly around the impact that technology has on our everyday lives. My previous work has explored music streaming and its effects on our listening habits, how websites track us and our online activity, and the importance of data preservation and curation in avoiding a ‘digital dark age’. During my research, I hope to discover meaningful insights into our complex but fascinating relationship with technology through the creation of tangible objects and experiences.

When I’m not in a studio or a workshop, I like to spend my spare time visiting art galleries and museums, rummaging around record stores, and shooting film photography.