Kate Christman

Research interests and expertise

Kate's research interests are multidisciplinary and include graphic design, communication design, sustainable product design, design process, circular entrepreneurship and circular economies, collaborating actively with researchers in the areas of biodiversity, circular entrepreneurship and designing for a circular economy.
Her research is focused on design within the circular economy, sustainable design practices, product design, design education and design within the built environment; adapting and rethinking how existing building components are used and how they can better cater for a variety of species. Her research investigates how design can be used to create environmental change on a large scale. She has influenced policy, worked with government and cultural organisations both locally and nationally and spoken widely at conferences and events. collaborators include The Wildlife trust, The Soil Association, The Eden Project, Cornwall Council, Duchy and the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute.
Current projects explore how design can be used to promote biodiversity within the built environment,
specifically through the design of new construction materials intended to be inhabited by species under-threat.

Sustainable design strategies: cradle-to-cradle, dematerialisation, service design.
Design process
Life Cycle Assessment
Eco materials.
Product design.
Exhibition design.
Manufacturing production detailing.
Typography
Branding

Research topics

• design process
• Sustainable Design
• biomimicry
• Digital Design and Production
• Circular Entrepreneurhsip
• Circular economy

Areas of teaching

• Product Design; Graphic Design; Communication design

Courses taught

• Graphic Design BA(Hons)
• Communication Design MA

Engagement with organisations which contribute to the development of educational, cultural or socio-economic policies in Cornwal

Kate has influenced policy, worked with government and cultural organisations both locally and nationally and spoken widely at conferences and events. collaborators include The Wildlife Trust, The Soil Association, The Eden Project, Cornwall Council, Duchy and the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute.