| designer + researcher | | decentralized design for just and regenerative futures |
About me
I'm passionate about leveraging design, research, art, and technology embracing the plurality that is required to engage with and affect large complex systems. My work as a designer has allowed me to work with a wide range of people and organizations to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. My research skills have allowed me to dive deep into understanding the needs of the people I'm designing for and with, and I'm always focused on ensuring that design is accessible and inclusive. My process involves a blend of design thinking, systems thinking, and participatory design research.
My journey as a designer and researcher hails from Ecuador, taking root on participatory design practices in architecture. In the path of creating spaces to include the people on the process of design, I established a studio dedicated to social innovation, where the power of design became evident as a tool for justice and change beyond the built environment. My quest for knowledge took me to Harvard, where I earned a Master in Design Engineering. Here, I learned to tackle systemic injustices and complex challenges through a blend of design, systems thinking, and technology. I've been privileged to work for esteemed institutions such as MIT D-Lab and IDEO. I'm passionate about leveraging design, research, art, and technology embracing the plurality that is required to engage with and affect large complex systems.
My professional and academic experience have been instrumental in grounding my practice in the mission to support and uplift the creative capacities of individuals and communities, unlocking the agency needed to achieve liberation and well-being. I'm committed to fostering systemic change, ensuring that justice, regenerative sustainability, and equitable technology integration are not distant dreams but tangible realities for all.
This commitment has culminated in the birth of Asombro, a design and research organization that envisions and builds an equitable, regenerative future through decentralized design.
Featured Work
Mink'a | Harvard Master in Design Engineering
Daniela Teran Endara Board of Advisors: Libby McDonald, Ariana Mazzeo, Doris Sommer
2019 to present
Libby McDonald, Sher Vogel, Anne Thibault, Daniela Teran, Arya Yadama, Kim Trageser, Kasia Jakimowicz, Nathalia Mendoza, Alejandra Medina
2020 to 2022
Harvard Master in Design Engineering
Taylor Greenberg Goldy - Mitsue Elisa Guerrero - Mia Zaidan
2019
2008 - 2018
Action Spaces
Interdisciplinary Research
I believe research to be the backbone of every project. It complements every stage of the strategic design process. My approach combines secondary research with participatory processes, gathering qualitative and quantitative data, exploring strategic foresight, and using ethnographic methodologies. A thorough research plan allows uncovering insights and setting clear metrics.
Equity and Capacity Building
The goal of social and gender equity is what drives my work. This is achieved by supporting people to build capacities and become active agents in finding solutions to the challenges they face. This is reflected in my work by inviting people to the table and managing the collaboration among stakeholders. I conduct a socioeconomic needs assessment and gender analysis to my research process.
Innovation and Design Strategies
To find solutions to complex challenges as innovative products, services, or experiences, I use systems thinking and human-centered design. I use several methodological approaches to accomplish the projects' objectives. This allows for the cross-disciplinary collaboration required to create innovative, socially impactful, and scalable outcomes
Facilitation for Participatory Processes
To create sustainable and innovative transformations that bring us closer to a more equitable future, we need inclusion, mass collaboration, appreciation, and deep listening. I use facilitation processes with external stakeholders and internal teams. I believe that this requires leadership to be based on building trust, empathy, and openness.