Beatrice Sangster
- Research Associate
Beatrice is a Research Associate at the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design (HHCD), based within Research & Innovation (R&I). Research focuses on inclusive design for ageing and diversity, emerging technologies, and healthcare innovation.
Currently, Beatrice is a Research Associate with the project ‘Enhancing Future Community Connectivity for Ageing Well in Place: Co-designing Technology and Environments,’ funded by the Vivensa Foundation (formerly The Dunhill Medical Trust).
As a designer and researcher, Beatrice has contributed to a range of interdisciplinary inclusive design and impact-led research projects at the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design. Areas of work include intelligent mobility for diverse street users, vocal accessibility and assistive technologies, neurodiversity in public spaces, and the co-design of technologies and environments supporting the future of ageing.
Beatrice was previously an (AKT) Associate in the College's School of Design, as part of an Innovate UK-funded Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Monsoon Accessorize and the Royal College of Art.
Beatrice’s time at the RCA was supported by a Burberry Design Scholarship.
Key details
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Practice
With a professional background in design, Beatrice has worked internationally within leading global design teams, gaining industry expertise across product and communication design.
Awards
Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design, Snowdon Award for Disability, 2023 (in partnership with Joy Lu, MA Design Products).
Royal College of Art, Burberry Design Scholarship, 2021/23.
Current and recent projects
Vocal Accessibility, 2018–25
A study launched by HHCD and Tata Consultancy, to better understand vocal interactions with technology and develop a set of accessibility guidelines for designers and technologists.
Space in Mind, 2024–25
A research project exploring and visually documenting the invisible qualities of public spaces and the journeys through them at the RCA
Circular Fashion Jewellery: Assessing & Developing Beyond Point of Sale Value Chains, with Monsoon Brands Ltd
An Innovate UK Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) project assessing scalable system innovation to enable Monsoon Brands to develop a value chain beyond the point of sale for circular fashion jewellery. The project explored opportunities for circularity and end-of-life routes, identified collaborative partners and developed a framework for a jewellery take back scheme.