Associate Professor

• Nov 2007 - Present

Co-Founder

• Jan 2009 - Present

SEADS (Space Ecologies Art and Design) is a transdisciplinary and cross-cultural collective of artists, scientists, engineers and activists. Its members come from all corners of the world, from places such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Kosovo, Belgium and the US. SEADS is actively engaged in deconstructing dominant paradigms about the future and develops alternative models through a combination of critical inquiry and hands-on experimentation. Over the past years, the collective has created a… Show more SEADS (Space Ecologies Art and Design) is a transdisciplinary and cross-cultural collective of artists, scientists, engineers and activists. Its members come from all corners of the world, from places such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Kosovo, Belgium and the US. SEADS is actively engaged in deconstructing dominant paradigms about the future and develops alternative models through a combination of critical inquiry and hands-on experimentation. Over the past years, the collective has created a range of paradigm-shifting projects in which different domains such as visual art, neuroscience, ecology and space technology are blended in unique ways. SEADS employs its own signature methodology which is centered around community building, co-creation and bottom-up design. SEADS believes that these approaches are key to unlocking collective intelligence, a prerequisite for generating more diversified and inclusive futures. Furthermore, SEADS also embraces a hacking and open-source ethos, with the goal to engage as many people as possible in the activities and ideas that they initiate. Since 2009, the collective has co-created more than 40 art projects, together with local communities in Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. Some of their most well-known community art projects are Biomodd and Seeker. In these projects they have personally collaborated with hundreds of participants and actively engaged with diverse international audiences. Show less SEADS (Space Ecologies Art and Design) is a transdisciplinary and cross-cultural collective of artists, scientists, engineers and activists. Its members come from all corners of the world, from places such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Kosovo, Belgium and the US. SEADS is actively engaged in deconstructing dominant paradigms about the future and develops alternative models through a combination of critical inquiry and hands-on experimentation. Over the past years, the collective has created a… Show more SEADS (Space Ecologies Art and Design) is a transdisciplinary and cross-cultural collective of artists, scientists, engineers and activists. Its members come from all corners of the world, from places such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Kosovo, Belgium and the US. SEADS is actively engaged in deconstructing dominant paradigms about the future and develops alternative models through a combination of critical inquiry and hands-on experimentation. Over the past years, the collective has created a range of paradigm-shifting projects in which different domains such as visual art, neuroscience, ecology and space technology are blended in unique ways. SEADS employs its own signature methodology which is centered around community building, co-creation and bottom-up design. SEADS believes that these approaches are key to unlocking collective intelligence, a prerequisite for generating more diversified and inclusive futures. Furthermore, SEADS also embraces a hacking and open-source ethos, with the goal to engage as many people as possible in the activities and ideas that they initiate. Since 2009, the collective has co-created more than 40 art projects, together with local communities in Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. Some of their most well-known community art projects are Biomodd and Seeker. In these projects they have personally collaborated with hundreds of participants and actively engaged with diverse international audiences. Show less

Co-Founder

• 2013 - Present

Co-Founder

• Sep 2012 - Present

Curiosity is a design research firm dedicated to helping businesses, nonprofits, and government design meaningful services by drawing upon local insight. We understand that decision-makers may want to learn more about the everyday realities of the people they serve, but could be constrained by the day-to- day challenges of running their organizations. Resources might therefore be underutilized, even with the best intentions. Curiosity bridges the worlds of decision-makers and users to create… Show more Curiosity is a design research firm dedicated to helping businesses, nonprofits, and government design meaningful services by drawing upon local insight. We understand that decision-makers may want to learn more about the everyday realities of the people they serve, but could be constrained by the day-to- day challenges of running their organizations. Resources might therefore be underutilized, even with the best intentions. Curiosity bridges the worlds of decision-makers and users to create relevance and optimize resources. By participating in people’s daily activities, we can help decision-makers create services that enrich the human experience, by gaining local insight on: people’s systems of beliefs, values, and practices; social networks; rules of engagement; and artifacts and materials. We challenge armchair assumptions about how people view the world and live their lives. We ask the right questions to strike a balance between possibility with practicality, bridging what users value with what our clients can deliver. Show less Curiosity is a design research firm dedicated to helping businesses, nonprofits, and government design meaningful services by drawing upon local insight. We understand that decision-makers may want to learn more about the everyday realities of the people they serve, but could be constrained by the day-to- day challenges of running their organizations. Resources might therefore be underutilized, even with the best intentions. Curiosity bridges the worlds of decision-makers and users to create… Show more Curiosity is a design research firm dedicated to helping businesses, nonprofits, and government design meaningful services by drawing upon local insight. We understand that decision-makers may want to learn more about the everyday realities of the people they serve, but could be constrained by the day-to- day challenges of running their organizations. Resources might therefore be underutilized, even with the best intentions. Curiosity bridges the worlds of decision-makers and users to create relevance and optimize resources. By participating in people’s daily activities, we can help decision-makers create services that enrich the human experience, by gaining local insight on: people’s systems of beliefs, values, and practices; social networks; rules of engagement; and artifacts and materials. We challenge armchair assumptions about how people view the world and live their lives. We ask the right questions to strike a balance between possibility with practicality, bridging what users value with what our clients can deliver. Show less

Marie Curie PhD Research Fellow

• Apr 2014 - May 2017

Emerging Technologies and Volunteer Coordinator

• 2008 - 2014

Information Developer and Design Thinking Advocate

• Feb 2012 - Dec 2012

I developed knowledge management strategies for mobile and cloud-based products documentation and worked other Knowledge Management specialists to develop information architectures for flexible publishing. I also helped lead initiatives for adopting design thinking and design process in for the Knowledge Management team in Vancouver. I developed knowledge management strategies for mobile and cloud-based products documentation and worked other Knowledge Management specialists to develop information architectures for flexible publishing. I also helped lead initiatives for adopting design thinking and design process in for the Knowledge Management team in Vancouver.

Research Assistant

• Sep 2009 - Aug 2012

This interdisciplinary art/science research collaboration explores how motion can express meaningful and semantically rich information. Principal investigators: Dr. Thecla Schiphorst, Dr. Lyn Bartram, Dr. Magy Seif El-Nasr. Funded by the Canada Council for the Arts New Media Initiative and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Mentor

• 2011 - 2012

Mentor for students in the Capstone Class (IAT 402) of the School of Interactive Arts and Technology's undergraduate program

Marking Assistant

• Sep 2009 - Dec 2009

Marked undergraduate assignments for TECH 101: Communication Teamwork and Collaborative Process

Moderator, Philosophers' Cafe series

• 2012 - 2012

Organized by the Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies program, the Philosophers’ Café series engages scholars, seniors, students, philosophers, and non-philosophers in questions that stimulate debate and the exchange of ideas. Each discussion is facilitated by a member of Philosophers’ Café pool of moderators. I facilitated four discussions on different themes: broader definitions public art, sustainable invention, the experience of acceleration, and the relationship between forgiveness… Show more Organized by the Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies program, the Philosophers’ Café series engages scholars, seniors, students, philosophers, and non-philosophers in questions that stimulate debate and the exchange of ideas. Each discussion is facilitated by a member of Philosophers’ Café pool of moderators. I facilitated four discussions on different themes: broader definitions public art, sustainable invention, the experience of acceleration, and the relationship between forgiveness and undoing. http://www.diegomaranan.com/?portfolio=philosophers-cafe-discussions Show less Organized by the Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies program, the Philosophers’ Café series engages scholars, seniors, students, philosophers, and non-philosophers in questions that stimulate debate and the exchange of ideas. Each discussion is facilitated by a member of Philosophers’ Café pool of moderators. I facilitated four discussions on different themes: broader definitions public art, sustainable invention, the experience of acceleration, and the relationship between forgiveness… Show more Organized by the Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies program, the Philosophers’ Café series engages scholars, seniors, students, philosophers, and non-philosophers in questions that stimulate debate and the exchange of ideas. Each discussion is facilitated by a member of Philosophers’ Café pool of moderators. I facilitated four discussions on different themes: broader definitions public art, sustainable invention, the experience of acceleration, and the relationship between forgiveness and undoing. http://www.diegomaranan.com/?portfolio=philosophers-cafe-discussions Show less

Artist in Residence

• Oct 2008 - Nov 2008

For eight Wednesdays in October and November, I held one-on-one discussions and group presentations on the theme data visualization for advocacy. I kept a blog of my these conversations. One concrete output of the residency was a paper outlining a proposal for a portal independent Filipino cinema that uses data visualization techniques, which I co-wrote with Jasmine Trice and presented at the 8th Annual Southeast Asian Cinemas Conference. For eight Wednesdays in October and November, I held one-on-one discussions and group presentations on the theme data visualization for advocacy. I kept a blog of my these conversations. One concrete output of the residency was a paper outlining a proposal for a portal independent Filipino cinema that uses data visualization techniques, which I co-wrote with Jasmine Trice and presented at the 8th Annual Southeast Asian Cinemas Conference.

Technical Writer

• Jul 2007 - Aug 2007

Streamlined and edited sections of the online help documentation for WikiPilipinas.org. Streamlined and edited sections of the online help documentation for WikiPilipinas.org.

Web Projects Coordinator (Contract)

• Mar 2007 - May 2007

Managed website development projects for the Yuchengco Group of Companies. Interviewed clients, gathered and assessed technical feasibility of requirements, and communicated specifications to web developers. Used project management software to track milestones, tasks, and deliverables. Developed a managed service process guide. Wrote website content and edited existing content for accuracy, clarity, brevity, consistency, and style. Managed website development projects for the Yuchengco Group of Companies. Interviewed clients, gathered and assessed technical feasibility of requirements, and communicated specifications to web developers. Used project management software to track milestones, tasks, and deliverables. Developed a managed service process guide. Wrote website content and edited existing content for accuracy, clarity, brevity, consistency, and style.

Dance Lab Collaborating Artist

• Feb 2007 - Mar 2007

Arts-based research on locating the human body in the intersections between Second Life and a physical performance space. With Sara Coffin (artistic director), Jennifer Clark, and Phil Thomson. Arts-based research on locating the human body in the intersections between Second Life and a physical performance space. With Sara Coffin (artistic director), Jennifer Clark, and Phil Thomson.

Performer

• Apr 2006 - May 2006

SDK Technical Writer

• Jul 2005 - Apr 2006

Wrote the developer guide for a BusinessObjects Enterprise Software Development Kit component specific to .NET 2.0 and Visual Studio 2005. (See Writing Samples section for a link to this document.) Edited and documented ASP sample code, and created architecture diagrams that clearly show relationships in relevant workflows. Wrote the developer guide for a BusinessObjects Enterprise Software Development Kit component specific to .NET 2.0 and Visual Studio 2005. (See Writing Samples section for a link to this document.) Edited and documented ASP sample code, and created architecture diagrams that clearly show relationships in relevant workflows.

Outreach Coordinator

• Jul 2003 - Jan 2005

Significantly increased student interest in SFPIRG services and resources by conducting presentations about SFPIRG to over 35 undergraduate and graduate classes. Researched and liaised with staff, faculty, and organizations at SFU interested in community-oriented research.Oversaw installation of new hardware and software components in office computers. Provided troubleshooting services for printers, networks, peripherals, and software. Provided technical feedback on the organization’s website… Show more Significantly increased student interest in SFPIRG services and resources by conducting presentations about SFPIRG to over 35 undergraduate and graduate classes. Researched and liaised with staff, faculty, and organizations at SFU interested in community-oriented research.Oversaw installation of new hardware and software components in office computers. Provided troubleshooting services for printers, networks, peripherals, and software. Provided technical feedback on the organization’s website re-design. Show less Significantly increased student interest in SFPIRG services and resources by conducting presentations about SFPIRG to over 35 undergraduate and graduate classes. Researched and liaised with staff, faculty, and organizations at SFU interested in community-oriented research.Oversaw installation of new hardware and software components in office computers. Provided troubleshooting services for printers, networks, peripherals, and software. Provided technical feedback on the organization’s website… Show more Significantly increased student interest in SFPIRG services and resources by conducting presentations about SFPIRG to over 35 undergraduate and graduate classes. Researched and liaised with staff, faculty, and organizations at SFU interested in community-oriented research.Oversaw installation of new hardware and software components in office computers. Provided troubleshooting services for printers, networks, peripherals, and software. Provided technical feedback on the organization’s website re-design. Show less

SDK Technical Writer (Co-op position)

• May 2004 - Aug 2004

Refined and formalized a process for safely merging source code and documentation written independently by software developers and by technical writers. Developed manuals, tutorials, and source code examples for Business Objects Software Development Kits. Reviewed and edited colleagues’ writing for accuracy, clarity, and style. Learned and employed best practices for communicating technical information to non-technical users. Refined and formalized a process for safely merging source code and documentation written independently by software developers and by technical writers. Developed manuals, tutorials, and source code examples for Business Objects Software Development Kits. Reviewed and edited colleagues’ writing for accuracy, clarity, and style. Learned and employed best practices for communicating technical information to non-technical users.

Programming Assistant (Summer Student Position)

• May 2003 - Aug 2003

Provided troubleshooting services for recording and radio broadcasting equipment, as well as for printers, networks, peripherals, and software. Oversaw installation of hardware and software components in office computers. Researched, developed, and produced programs related to significant social issues. Conducted, recorded, and edited interviews of local artists, activists, and community organizers and presented them on-air. Provided troubleshooting services for recording and radio broadcasting equipment, as well as for printers, networks, peripherals, and software. Oversaw installation of hardware and software components in office computers. Researched, developed, and produced programs related to significant social issues. Conducted, recorded, and edited interviews of local artists, activists, and community organizers and presented them on-air.

Research Assistant (part time)

• Aug 2001 - Apr 2003

Aided in designing software architecture for translating dance notation into computer animation of dancers performing the notated score. Created test suites and verified software behaviour against anatomical constraints. Aided in designing software architecture for translating dance notation into computer animation of dancers performing the notated score. Created test suites and verified software behaviour against anatomical constraints.

Research Assistant (Co-op position)

• Apr 2001 - Aug 2001

Examined how ubiquitous technology and tangible interfaces can aid face-to-face interaction in a computer game environment, in a project funded by Electronic Arts and the New Media Innovation Centre. Designed and implemented the testbed environment, a hybrid board/computer game projected onto a tabletop display. Examined how ubiquitous technology and tangible interfaces can aid face-to-face interaction in a computer game environment, in a project funded by Electronic Arts and the New Media Innovation Centre. Designed and implemented the testbed environment, a hybrid board/computer game projected onto a tabletop display.

Software Developer (Co-op Position)

• Sep 2000 - Dec 2000

Worked with largely bilingual team to implement new features and fix bugs in the data management and non-linear editing toolsets of Softimage Digital Studio, a high-end film and video post-production software. Worked with largely bilingual team to implement new features and fix bugs in the data management and non-linear editing toolsets of Softimage Digital Studio, a high-end film and video post-production software.

Software Developer (Co-op Position)

• May 2000 - Aug 2000

Added MP3 file streaming and internet streaming capability to company’s flagship media player. Added MP3 file streaming and internet streaming capability to company’s flagship media player.