I am Cai Tuomivaara.

I have over 10 years of specialist commercial experience building brand strategy and design research for automotive innovators and consumer technology leaders defining new premium brands champions sustainable growth.

I am proficient at leading complex innovation developments of emerging technologies to establish commercial longevity. With experience managing teams and leading global projects, my background as a practitioner-researcher in design gives me the adaptability to make effective strategic and tactile business decisions.

As a career freelancer, I can readily embed myself into design and marketing teams of all sizes to deliver best-in-class timely results.

I have had the privilege to teach critical theory and studio practice to postgraduate students in design and innovation at prestigious institutions including Central Saint Martins and London College of Communication. I regularly participate in international conferences and publications, and leading workshops. I am a fellow at the Higher Education Academy and was a research associate at UAL's Social Design Institute in 2020/21.

[email protected]

Portfolio **Linkedin More**

Work History

Education

• Bsc Data Science, The Open University (present)
• MA Academic Practice in Art and Design(2023), Teaching and Learning Exchange, University of the Arts London: Distinction
  • Thesis: Transgressing in the machine imaginary: game engines as critical pedagogy
• BA Fine Art: Sculpture (2015), Wimbledon College of Art, University of the Arts London: 2:1
  • Thesis: The Discourse of the Virtual Lovers: identity as a cyborg performance

Conference and Publications

C.Zhang,(2022-23), The Forces Within/ Staying with Trouble, MA Applied Imagination, Central Saint Martins.

C.Zhang,(2021),What the beep is Brand Strategy (Lecture), MA Graphic Branding Identity, London College of Communication, Available at: https://vimeo.com/627363424/ce3bbb604c

C.Zhang, (2022), Research methods: surveys(pre-sessional material), MA Design management, London College of Communication. Available at: https://vimeo.com/547932037

C. Zhang(2022). Future of Work and City, MA Design Management, London College of Communication.

C.Zhang (2022)The silence workshop, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge.

C. Zhang (2021)Lost in Translation: Lessons from our Chinese students. SRHE Qualifying the debate on “Quality” event.

C. Zhang, (2021). Lost in translation:reflections from our Chinese alumni (lightening talk),ExEd 2021. London

C.Zhang,(2020). You got mail:exploring the possibilities of teaching practice-based research in art and design via emails. Valencia Design Education Forum 2020. Available at: **https://youtu.be/55tWxEyZocg**