Em Coy

Em's research interest is in the intersection between business and design. Her current project seeks to link the paradox mindset to design capability.

During my time working in corporate, I realised just how difficult it is for businesses to implement design-based thinking. Businesses might be well aware that they need to be more customer centric and more innovative, but they have been rewarding their employees for thinking in a linear way for many years.

Em completed a Masters of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in 2017, inspiring her to take on further study. After 20 years working in corporate as an Executive Assistant, she launched a career change, sharing what she had learnt in her Masters as a workshop facilitator and trainer. Educating corporate clients in design and design methodology tools, she was able to bring a new perspective to their customer experience.

Being design-led can require culture shift on a grand scale. So I started thinking about how to fast-track that. And this is the basis for some really exciting research - changing the way we think in order to build design capability and bridge the gap between design and business.

Em is passionate about education and the power it has to change lives. In addition to being a student herself, she has worked in the Vocational sector, supporting and mentoring many students in the completion of their studies. Em has also travelled widely, volunteering and working in Kenya, India and the UK. She brings a global perspective to her studies, and to her work as designer and a researcher. 

Em was inspired by the publications of her supervisors to study at RMIT under their mentorship. 

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.