I am Özgün Dilek, a multidisciplinary designer, artist, and design scholar. My practice blends making, research, and teaching across ceramics, glass making, printmaking, video art, filmmaking, and interactive projects. Grounded in post-industrial maker cultures and actor-network theory, I explore how materials, people, and systems shape sustainable design futures, while sharing knowledge through exhibitions, publications, and community collaborations.

Özgün Dilek, Ph.D.

I am Özgün Dilek, a multidisciplinary designer, artist, and design scholar. My practice blends making, research, and teaching across ceramics, glass making, printmaking, video art, filmmaking, and interactive projects. Grounded in post-industrial maker cultures and actor-network theory, I explore how materials, people, and systems shape sustainable design futures, while sharing knowledge through exhibitions, publications, and community collaborations.

Available to hire

I am Özgün Dilek, a multidisciplinary designer, artist, and design scholar. My practice blends making, research, and teaching across ceramics, glass making, printmaking, video art, filmmaking, and interactive projects.

Grounded in post-industrial maker cultures and actor-network theory, I explore how materials, people, and systems shape sustainable design futures, while sharing knowledge through exhibitions, publications, and community collaborations.

See more

Language

Turkish
Fluent
English
Fluent
Swedish
Intermediate

Work Experience

Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Gothenburg
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025
Interdisciplinary research on material culture, maker practices, and public engagement within an ERC-funded research environment; designed and facilitated collaborative workshops, research activities, and public-facing discussions; explored emotional, social, and spatial dimensions of objects, participation, and storytelling; developed visual, written, and exhibition-oriented communication materials; worked across design, heritage, artistic research, and cultural analysis contexts.
Visiting Researcher at Malmö University
January 1, 2025 - Present
Conducted research on migration, heritage, and spatial narratives through museum and exhibition studies; investigated how environments, objects, and cultural storytelling shape embodied and emotional experiences; developed interdisciplinary approaches connecting design, heritage studies, and participatory practices.
Assistant Professor in Industrial Design at Eskişehir Technical University
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024
Led studio-based design education focused on interaction, critical making, and product development; supervised multidisciplinary student projects from concept development to prototyping; designed course frameworks integrating storytelling, physical computing, and user experience; facilitated experimental and collaborative learning environments combining theory and hands-on making.
Research Scholar – Service Design & Social Innovation at Aalborg University
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Participated in collaborative service design and co-design projects focused on local food systems and sustainable experiences; contributed to research and workshop activities exploring participation, systems thinking, and public engagement.
Postdoc Researcher at Department of Fine Arts and Crafts, HDK-Valand Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Gothenburg University, Sweden
September 1, 2023 - August 31, 2025
Conducted interdisciplinary research at the intersection of design, craft, and material studies within the HDK-Valand Academy and Gothenburg University. Led and participated in design- and maker-scholars projects, supervised student research, and contributed to design investigations using Actor Network Theory and onto-phenomenology. Collaborated with international partners to publish and present findings; developed prototypes and exhibitions related to post-industrial maker experiences.
Assistant Professor at Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Eskisehir Technical University, Turkey
April 15, 2023 - September 15, 2024
Taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Industrial Design; supervised student projects and theses; conducted research in design education and sustainability; contributed to curriculum development and design pedagogy.
Teaching Assistant at Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Eskisehir Technical University, Turkey
May 15, 2018 - April 14, 2023
Supported course delivery in industrial design programs, assisted faculty with labs, assessments, and project supervision, and contributed to course material development.
Teaching Assistant at Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Anadolu University, Turkey
January 15, 2015 - May 14, 2018
Assisted design instructors in classroom and studio settings, prepared learning materials, and supported student project work.
Teaching Assistant at Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Beykent University, Turkey
September 15, 2014 - January 14, 2015
Assisted with lectures, studio sessions, and assessments; supported design studios and student projects.
Product Designer at KMS Furniture Accessories, Istanbul, Turkey
March 15, 2014 - July 14, 2014
Designed functional and aesthetic furniture accessories; collaborated with industrial designers; developed concepts and prototypes and supported manufacturing workflows.
Visiting Fellow at Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, Aalborg University, Denmark
November 15, 2012 - June 15, 2013
Engaged in design research within a cross-disciplinary setting; contributed to research projects, attended seminars, and collaborated on exhibitions and knowledge exchange.
Research Assistant at Department of Industrial Design, Architecture Faculty, İzmir Institute of Technology, Turkey
December 15, 2009 - August 15, 2012
Supported design research activities, conducted literature reviews, assisted with project development, prototyping, and documentation.

Education

Ph.D. at Istanbul Technical University
September 15, 2013 - December 20, 2020
M.Sc. at Izmir Institute of Technology
September 1, 2009 - August 15, 2012
Bachelor at Anadolu University
September 14, 2003 - January 15, 2009

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Other, Manufacturing