Dr Vikki Eriksson (nee du Preez) is a lecturer and postdoctoral researcher, focusing on design practice and theories that influence modern design, business and educational practice at the Aalto University Design Factory. Her doctorate explored the socio-technical reality of older adults’ interaction with online services. As an avid advocate of service design, she consults and develops a practical framework for the development of services and the use of service design methods in research and the traditional design process. Her interest in the user experience and design fields has resulted in her participation in several international research projects funded by the European Union. Working on research projects with Umulusi, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, has offered her an opportunity to contribute to the development of design education in South Africa. Vikki has worked in industry as a Senior Consulting Researcher at Studio intO. As part of this organisation she has the opportunity to explore and share the impact that design and creative thinking can have on modern business practice.
