Rebecca Xu is a Doctoral researcher at Loughborough University, where she was awarded a full studentship.
Her academic journey spans internationally renowned institutions, reflecting a rich cross-cultural perspective in design research. She completed her MDes in Design Innovation & Collaborative Creativity at The Glasgow School of Art (2023), where she was awarded the prestigious Foulis Medal as the top graduating Masters student. Her educational background also includes studies at the University of Glasgow and the China Academy of Art. Rebecca's research interests, inspired by her personal experiences, lie at the intersection of creativity and multiculturalism. Her award-winning postgraduate project "Where Do You Come From?" exemplifies her commitment to socially responsible design. This project explored cultural identity through in-depth interviews with 26 individuals from diverse backgrounds, resulting in a comprehensive work of over 25,000 words that challenges conventional narratives about race, class, and culture.
Rebecca employs both research-through-design and research-for-design approaches, emphasising participatory and inclusive methodologies. Her expertise encompasses User Research, Co-design, UX Design, and Communication Design, enabling her to develop innovative solutions that drive positive, sustainable change.
As a multifaceted researcher, she maintains a strong focus on ethical co-creation and responsible design practices, consistently working to integrate diverse perspectives and create meaningful impact. This approach is supported by her cross-disciplinary knowledge and collaborative ethos, enabling her to address complex challenges across technology, business, environment, and society.
Supervisors: Dr Elaine Y.L. Wong and Dr Garrath Wilson.
Rebecca's current research investigates the complex relationship between multiculturalism and creative development, with a particular focus on how cultural influences shape creative capacity and expression. Her work explores the intersection of design and sociology, examining the dynamic interplay between cultural backgrounds and creative processes.