I am an academic and visual communication designer. I am a Lecturer in Digital Design at Abertay University. I joined in April 2022.
In 2022/2023 academic year, I was part of teaching staff in the ART203 (Digital Media Contexts) module of BA Computer Arts programme. Additionally, I led and taught DES206 (User Interfaces and Interaction Design) module of BA Game Design and Production programme.
In 2023/2024 academic year, I co-taught and later took over the coordination of ART313 (Advanced Visual Communications) in BA Computer Arts. Also, I led and taught DES206 (User Interfaces and User Experience) module in BA Game Design and Production and BA Computer Arts programmes.
I received the "Most Engaging Module" award of the Student-Led Teaching Awards (SLTA) 2024 for my teaching in DES206 module in 2023/2024 academic year. I was also nominated for "Excellent Teaching" category award of the SLTA 2024.
In 2024/2025, I retained the leadership of DES206 module. Also, I will be part of teaching staff in DES207 (Media Production), ART410 (Honours Project for Computer Arts) and DES404 (Honours Project for Game Design and Production).
My teaching philosophy prioritises a student-centred approach. I shape my teaching practice around students' individual interests and progress. I am a Fellow of UK Higher Education Academy (Advance HE).
I completed my interdisciplinary PhD in Digital Innovation at Highwire Centre for Doctoral Training, Lancaster University. My research focused on information and interaction design for "second screen" to enhance TV football watching experience. I am on course to expand on my research around information design and multitasking.
Visual identity design is another area of research interest. My current focus is on identity design of sports and e-sports teams.
Generative art is the area that I have developed an interest recently. In this regard, I am interested in creating generative artworks in sports context to make publications.
My BA in Economics and MA in Visual Arts & Visual Communication studies were fully funded (tuition & accommodation fee waivers plus monthly stipend) by Sabanci University for seven years.
Lancaster University funded my studies of MRes and PhD in Digital Innovation with EU/UK level of tuition fee waiver and monthly stipend for four years.
Before Abertay, I worked as a Lecturer in Graphic Design and Digital Media at Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London (UAL). During my work at Chelsea, in BA Graphic Design Communication (GDC) programme, I taught second year students experimental graphic design and supervised third-years on their research essays and practical projects. Additionally, I worked as design research tutor in Graduate Diploma (GradDip) in Graphic Design programme at Chelsea.
Prior to my role at UAL, I was a Lecturer in Creative Practice at University of the West of Scotland (UWS). I taught and coordinated modules on fundamentals of graphic design, web design, coding for art and research in creative practice on BA (Hons.) Digital Art & Design (DAAD) and BA (Hons.) New Media Art (NMAT) programmes. I also supervised undergraduate dissertations in DAAD and NMAT at UWS.
Previous to UWS, I held teaching assistant positions in the Computer Science department at Lancaster University and the Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design (VACD) department at Sabancı University (SU) in Turkey. In these roles, I helped with the delivery of a variety of modules including Creative Technology, Introduction to Multimedia, Web Design, Design with Typography, Layout and Corporate Identity Design.
Prior to my PhD, I worked as an in-house graphic & web designer for a leading tourism agency in Turkey for a brief period. Before that, I worked as freelance graphic & web designer for a different projects.
I worked as exam invigilator at Lancaster University between 2015-2018. I managed undergraduate and postgraduate exams through invigilating the examinations, monitoring for irregularities, applying examination policies & procedures and liaising with Student Registry.
Whilst working as lecturer at UWS, I coordinated the admissions to BA (Hons.) NMAT programme with the admissions team and other lecturers in my department.
r.locke@abertay.ac.uk
+44 (0)1382 30 8802
a.macdonald@abertay.ac.uk
+44 (0)1382 30 8263