Department of Design

Empirica Publications

Browse the publications from Empirica Research Group members including academic articles, books, and research outputs.

Publication highlights

Three oval crackled pendants in white frames hang on thin chains against a rough brick wall.

From matter to method: Situated and relational approaches through geothermal clays

Alejandra Vera

Department of Design
Crusty sourdough loaves stacked in a warm‑lit organic bakery window display

The bread without form: Attuning to relational ways of making through convivial baking practice

Gianluca Giabardo, Luis Vega and Maarit Mäkelä

Department of Design
Two cream-coloured, coiled clay sculptures with thick looping ridges on a light grey surface.

The relationship between maker, machine and material: Creative investigation of geopolymer extrusion 3D printing

Lennart Engels, Priska Falin, Luis Huaman, Johannes Kaarakainen, Maarit Mäkelä and Jussi Leveinen

Department of Design
Four photos show two people glassblowing in a workshop, shaping hot glass near a bright furnace.

In Concert with Molten Glass: Social and material actors in glassblowing practice

Sara Hulkkonen, Maarit Mäkelä and Pirita Seitamaa-Hakkarainen

Department of Design
Perforated orange brick wall structure in a lush city garden with tall grass and trees

Exploring Ecological Relationality Through Architectural Practice

Maiju Suomi and Maarit Mäkelä

Department of Design
A lush garden with purple flowers and tall grasses in front of a brick structure, with trees and buildings in the background.

Making Things that Change: EMPIRICA Research Group—Research in Arts and Education

Vega, L., et al. (2024). Research in Arts and Education

News

Complete list of publications

Articles in refereed scientific journals

Articles in refereed scientific edited volumes and conference proceedings

Book chapters

  • Aktaş, Bilge (2022). Entangling with Materials: Crafting as a Way of Repairing Our Relationship with the Environment. In: Fredriksen, B.C., Groth, C. (eds) Expanding Environmental Awareness in Education Through the Arts. Landscapes: the Arts, Aesthetics, and Education, vol 33 (pp. 93–108). Springer, Singapore.
  • Kuusk, Kristi, Julia Valle-Noronha and Oscar Tomico (2026) Digital Technology Reshaping Clothing and Textile Practice Towards Sustainability. Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of World Textiles: Textile Futures. Bloomsbury Academic, Vol. 10.
  • Latva-Somppi, Riikka (2022). Soil Laboratory: Crafting Experiments in an Exhibition Setting. In: Fredriksen, B.C., Groth, C. (eds) Expanding Environmental Awareness in Education Through the Arts (pp. 213–229). Landscapes: the Arts, Aesthetics, and Education, vol 33. Springer, Singapore.
  • Mäkelä, Maarit (2019). A Nourishing Dialogue with the Material Environment. In Fletcher, Kate; St. Pierre, Louise & Tham, Mathilda (Eds.), Design and Nature: A Partnership (pp. 173–178). (Earthscan). London: Routledge.
  • Mäkelä, Maarit (2022). Crafting in Dialogue with the Material Environment. In: Fredriksen, B.C., Groth, C. (eds) Expanding Environmental Awareness in Education Through the Arts. Landscapes: the Arts, Aesthetics, and Education, vol 33 (pp. 109–124). Springer, Singapore.
  • Peltola, T., Santala, I., Hiedanpää, J., Latva-Somppi, R., Mishra, H., Mäkelä, M., Pihlajamäki, M., Pitkänen, K., Salo, M., Soini, K. & Svels, K. (2025). Hydrososiaalinen hoiva ja kriisiytyvä vesisuhde. In R. Norum, V. Kinnunen & N. Hämäläinen (Eds.), Käänteet ja kierrot: Kulttuuriset ympäristömuutokset pohjoisessa, Kalevalaseuran vuosikirja 104 (pp. 161–187). Finnish Literature Society.
  • Valle-Noronha, Julia & Chun, Namkyu (2021). Woven through Trust and Affect: Four Cases of Fashion Sustainability in Brazil. In Gardetti, M. Á. & Larios-Francia, R. P. (eds.) Sustainable Fashion and Textiles in Latin America (pp. 257–277). Springer.

Conference proceedings

  • Aktaş, Bilge (2017). Material as the Co-designer: exploring a new practice in the nature and at the studio. In The Art of Research VI Conference: Catalyses, Interventions, Transformations. Espoo: The Art of Research Conference.
  • Aktaş, Bilge (2019). Human-Material Interaction: Examining the Material Agency Concept in Making Processes. In Design Research Society: Learn x Design (pp. 1017–1023). Ankara: Design Research Society.
  • Aktaş, Bilge & Mäkelä, Maarit (2017). Craft Dynamics: Empowering felt making through design. In Nordes 2017: Design + Power (No. 7, pp. 1–9), 15–17 June 2017, Oslo School of Architecture and Design. Oslo: Nordes.
  • Aktaş, Bilge; Mäkelä, Maarit; & Laamanen, Tarja-Kaarina (2020). Material Connections in Craft Making: The case of felting. In Proceedings of DRS2020 (Vol. 5, pp. 2326-2343). (Proceedings of DRS). Design Research Society.
  • Aktaş, Bilge & Groth, Camilla (2019). Studying Material Interactions to Facilitate Material Empathy. Making Futures, Plymouth, United Kingdom.
  • Aktaş, Bilge & Groth, Camilla (2020). Studying Material Interactions to Facilitate a Sense of Being with the World. Proceedings of DRS2020, 4, 1659–76.
  • Aktaş, Bilge & Groth, Camilla (2021). Using Creative Practice in Interdisciplinary Education. Proceedings of the DRS LEARN X DESIGN 2021 - 6th International Conference for Design Education Researchers: Engaging with Challenges in Design Education, 2, 553–66.
  • Falin, Priska (2013). Aesthetic Experimentations on Ceramic materials. In Brandt, Eva; Ehn, Pelle; Johansson, Troels Degn; Hellström Reimer, Maria; Markussen, Thomas & Vallgårda, Anna (Eds.), Experiments in Design Research, Nordes Conference, 9–12 June 2013, 486–487. Copenhagen: Nordes.
  • Falin, Priska (2014). Augmented Paper Diary Method for capturing the aesthetic experience in Ceramic Practice. In Mäkelä, Maarit (Ed.), Proceedings of The Art of Research V International Conference: Experience, Materiality, Articulation. 26–27 November 2014. Helsinki: Aalto University.
  • Falin, Priska & Falin, Petra (2014). Making and Perceiving – Exploring the Degrees of Engagement with the Aesthetic Process. In Lim, Youn-kyung; Niedderer, Kristina; Redström, Johan; Stolterman, Erik & Valtonen, Anna (Eds.), Proceedings of the Design Research Society DRS2014 International Conference: Design’s Big Debates. 16–19 June 2014, 1612–1625. Umeå: Umeå Institute of Design.
  • Groth, Camilla & Mäkelä, Maarit (2014). The knowing body in material exploration. In Mäkelä, Maarit (Ed.), Proceedings of The Art of Research V International Conference: Experience, Materiality, Articulation. 26–27 November 2014. Helsinki: Aalto University.
  • Groth, Camilla; Mäkelä, Maarit; Seitamaa-Hakkarainen, Pirita & Kosonen, Krista (2014). Tactile augmentation: Reaching for tacit knowledge. In Lim, Youn-kyung; Niedderer, Kristina; Redström, Johan; Stolterman, Erik & Valtonen, Anna (Eds.), Proceedings of the Design Research Society DRS2014 International Conference: Design’s Big Debates. 16–19 June 2014, 1638–1654. Umeå: Umeå Institute of Design.
  • Hulkkonen, S., Mäkelä, M., and Seitamaa-Hakkarainen, P. (2025). In Concert with Molten Glass: Social and material actors in glassblowing practice, in Morrison, A., Culén, A. & Habib, L. (eds.), Nordes 2025: Relational Design, 6–8 August, Oslo, Norway. https://doi.org/10.21606/nordes.2025.9
  • Ivanov, Vladimir & Kholina, Anna (2014). 3D Modelling for museum environment. In Franqueira, Teresa & Sampaio, João (Eds.), What’s On: Cumulus Spring Conference. 8–10 May 2014, 79–86. Aveiro: University of Aveiro.
  • Jönsson, Li; Mäkelä, Maarit; Hansen, Flemming & Ahde-Deal, Petra (2013). Investigating design research landscapes through exhibitions. In Gottlieb, Halina (Ed.), NODEM 2013 / International Conference on Design and Digital Heritage. 1–4 December 2013, 113–120. Stockholm. Interactive Institute ICT.
  • Kholina, Anna (2014). Understanding aesthetics of urban environment through drawing. In Mäkelä, Maarit (Ed.), Proceedings of The Art of Research V International Conference: Experience, Materiality, Articulation. 26–27 November 2014. Helsinki: Aalto University.
  • Kholina, Anna & Akselrod, Maria B. (2014). Tactile Adaptation of a Painting for Visually Impaired People Based on Information Layering. Proceedings of World Congress On Special Needs Education, 139–141. August 11–14, 2014. Philadelphia: Temple University.
  • Konovalov, Marta, Julia Valle-Noronha and Kristi Kuusk (2023) Layers of Repair increasing the emotional durability of fashion and textiles. PROCEEDINGS 5th PLATE Conference. Niinimäki, K. & Cura, K. (eds.). Espoo, Finland: Aalto University, p. 518–523, 6 p. (Aalto University publication series ART + DESIGN + ARCHITECTURE; vol. 2023, no. 3).
  • Korolainen, Hanna-Kaisa (2017). Monet and Me: A Story of Inspiration. Proceedings of The Art of Research VI Conference: Catalyses, Interventions, Transformations. Helsinki: Aalto University.
  • Laakso, H., Pantouvaki, S., Valle-Noronha, J., Krokfors, K., Helke, S., Falin, P. (Eds.) (2023) Art of Research 2023: Re-Imagining. Helsinki: Aalto University. 192 p.
  • Leinikka, Marianne; Huotilainen, Minna; Seitamaa-Hakkarainen, Pirita; Groth, Camilla; Rankanen, Mimmu & Mäkelä, Maarit (2016). Physiological measurements of drawing and forming activities. In Lloyd, Peter & Bohemia, Erik (Eds.), Proceedings of Design Research Society DRS2016 International Conference: Future-Focused Thinking, 50th Anniversary International Conference, 7, 2941–2958. Brighton: Design Research Society.
  • Mäkelä, Maarit & Löytönen, Teija (2015). Enhancing material experimentation in design education. In Vande Zande, Robin; Bohemia, Erik & Digranes, Ingvild (Eds.), Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference for Design Education Researchers, Learn x Design, 1, Helsinki: Aalto University, 168–183.
  • Na, Yuri (2011). Repositioning Contemporary Crafts by Crafts-Consumers’ Values: Roles of Crafts and Craftspeople for Sustainable Crafts. In Ferris, Malcolm (Ed.), Proceedings of Making Futures: The Crafts as Change-maker in Sustainably Aware Cultures, 2, 157–167. Plymouth: Plymouth College of Art.
  • Ravnløkke, Louise, Ulla Ræbild, & Julia Valle-Noronha (2026) Design for Longevity: The Need for Participatory Approaches. In Cantista, I. (ed.), Fashion Works: Proceedings of the Global Fashion Conference (Global Fashion Conference 2024, 11–12 October 2024), pp. 72–89. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-02070-3_6
  • Seitamaa-Hakkarainen, Pirita; Huotilainen, Minna; Mäkelä, Maarit; Groth, Camilla & Hakkarainen, Kai (2014). The promise of cognitive neuroscience in design studies. In Lim, Youn-kyung; Niedderer, Kristina; Redström, Johan; Stolterman, Erik & Valtonen, Anna (Eds.), Proceedings of the Design Research Society DRS2014 International Conference: Design’s Big Debates. 16–19 June 2014, 834–846. Umeå: Umeå Institute of Design.
  • Valle-Noronha, Julia (2023) Design de moda indígena brasileiro: perspectivas centradas na terra para as práticas de moda. 18th Colóquio de Moda. September 2023.
  • Valle-Noronha, Julia (2024) Making new peripheries in fashion: or when you don’t see what remains to be felt. Dialogical Bodies Conference: Proceedings. Tepe, Jan (ed.) Borås, Sweden. p. 90–91.
  • Valle-Noronha, Julia (2024) Além do que os olhos podem ver: Estética de afeto na moda. 19th Colóquio de Moda. São Paulo, Brazil. SENAC: September 2024.
  • Valle-Noronha, Julia and Ana Paula Sudano Freitas (2024) Moda e Coletividade: Novos modelos no sistema da moda. 19th Colóquio de Moda. SENAC: São Paulo, Brazil. September 2024.
  • Valle-Noronha, Julia (2025) Estudos de guarda-roupa: uma reflexão sobre aplicação em sala de aula. 20th Colóquio de Moda. São Paulo, Brazil, September 2025.
  • Valle-Noronha, Julia (2025) In Relation: Brazilian Indigenous Fashion Design. Proceedings of Nordes 2025: Relational Design, 6–8 August, Oslo, Norway. Morrison, A., Culén, A. & Habib, L. (eds.). London: Design Research Society, p. 476–484, 9 p. (Nordic Design Research Conference; vol. 11). https://doi.org/10.21606/nordes.2025.37
  • Vega, Luis (2021). Distributed Thinking through Making: Towards a relational ontology in practice-led design research. In Brandt, E., Markussen, T., Berglund, E., Julier, G. & Linde, P. (Eds.), Matters of Scale: Proceedings of the 9th Nordic Design Research Conference NORDES 2021 (pp. 270–280). Kolding, Denmark.

Doctoral theses

Earlier dissertations

Peer-reviewed presentations

  • Falin, Priska (2013). Experiencing the material: Ceramic material research from the aesthetic perspective. New Materialisms Conference IV: Movement, Aesthetics, Ontology. 17 May 2013. University of Turku, Finland.
  • Hulkkonen, S. (2025). Sustaining the Poise. Biennial International Conference for the Craft Sciences. Version 1. https://biccs.dh.gu.se/2025/2025-06/1
  • Kholina, Anna (2014). Understanding Aesthetics of Urban Environment through Drawing. SHARE Conference. 20-21 June 2014. Aarhus, Denmark.
  • Lampinen, Tuulia (2014). What does a 17th century silk fabric tell for today’s design professional? Artefacta Conference: How do we study objects? 8-9 May 2014. Helsinki, Finland.
  • Usenyuk, Svetlana (2013). Facing Global Changes: Local Appropriation of Technology in the Arctic. Reconstructing Change and Resilience in Environmental and Social Conditions Seminar: What can We Learn from the Past for the Future? 15 March 2013. Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland.
  • Usenyuk, Svetlana (2014). Beyond Tradition and Modernity: Re-invention of a Mobile Tent in Russian Far North. Arctic Modernities Conference. 16 September 2014. University of Tromsø, Norway.
  • Usenyuk, Svetlana (2014). Crafted Mobility: An Exploration into DIY Practices in the Russian North. EASA2014 Conference: Collaboration, Intimacy & Revolution. 2 August 2014. Tallinn, Estonia.
  • Usenyuk, Svetlana (2014). Proximal Design: Exploring the Agency of Users Through Mobility in Russian Arctic. International Congress of Arctic Social Sciences VIII: Northern Sustainabilities. 23 May 2014, University of Northern British Columbia, Canada.
  • Viña, Sandra (2013). Micro Scale Neighbourhood Revitalization through Design Interventions. INCLUDE 2013 International Conference: Global Challenges and Local Solutions in Inclusive Design. 2-3 July 2013. Hong Kong Design Centre, Hong Kong, China.

Earlier works

2012

  • Kosonen, Krista & Mäkelä, Maarit: Designing platform for exploring and reflecting on creative process. Procedia: Social and Behavioral Sciences, 45, 227-238.
  • Liao, Tjhien: Drama in Design: An Open Brief to Design for Wellbeing. International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education, 6-7 September, Artesis University College, Antwerp, Belgium.
  • Mäkelä, Maarit & O’Riley, Tim (Eds.): The Art of Research II: Process, Results and Contribution. Helsinki: Aalto University, School of Arts, Design and Architecture.
  • Staff, Pia: Drawing and Sewing as Research Tools. In Mäkelä, Maarit & O’Riley, Tim (Eds.), The Art of Research II: Process, Results and Contribution, 52-82. Helsinki: Aalto University.
  • Usenyuk, Svetlana & Garin, Nikolay: Shifting from Practice to Research in Design Education: an Experiment within the Framework of an MA Course. International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education, 6-7 September. Artesis University College, Antwerp, Belgium.
  • Usenyuk, Svetlana & Putilova, Irina: Developing a New Northern Way of Living: Adaptation Potential of Movement. Proceedings of the 2nd Human and the North Conference: Archaeology, Anthropology, Ecology. March 26-30. Russian Academy of Sciences, Tyumen, Russia.
  • Viña, Sandra: Designers Out of Demand? Organized Communities and Local Development. Proceedings of 8th International Design and Emotion Conference, 11-14 September. Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, London, England.
  • Viña, Sandra: Participation Encouraged by Law. 26th Congress of the Association of European Schools of Planning AESOP, 11-15 July. Ankara, Turkey.
  • Viña, Sandra: Making Sense of Interventions in Public Places as Drivers of Urban Renewal. Proceedings of the Design Research Society DRS2012 Conference, 1959-1970. Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Xue, Haian, & Kujala, Sari: From transient to durable: Exploring the emotional value of obsolete objects. 8th International Design and Emotion Conference. London, England.

2011

2010

  • Ahde-Deal, Petra: Jewelry as Provocateurs of Emotions.
  • Ahde-Deal, Petra & Koskinen, Ilpo: When Memories Become Tangible. Jewelry as Physical Representations of Memories.
  • Mäkelä, Maarit: Käsin työstettyjä suhteita arkeen ja materiaaliin.
  • Mäkelä, Maarit & Latva-Somppi, Riikka: Crafting Connections between Emotions and Materiality.
  • Mäkelä, Maarit; Kalajo, Reetta & Wahlroos, Tuija: Arjen voima. Käsin työstettyjä suhteita arkeen ja materiaaliin.
  • Viña, Sandra: Engaging People in Public Space – Animato a Design Intervention.
  • Viña, Sandra & Mattelmäki, Tuuli: Spicing up public journeys – Storytelling as a design strategy.
  • Vuorisalo, Marjukka: En halua sanoa mi tään tai deteksti i lei stä.

2009

  • Ahde-Deal, Petra: Jewelry in the Cycles of Everyday Life.
  • Ahde-Deal, Petra: Multigenerational Possessing – Pieces of Jewelry Mediating Generations.
  • Ahde-Deal, Petra; Latva-Ranta, Sanna; Vaajakallio, Kirsikka & Hahn, Young-Ae: Narri – Utilizing the full potential of narrative data through a design game.
  • Ahde-Deal, Petra; Mikkonen, Jussi & Latva-Ranta, Sanna: Spatial Jewelry An Experiment with Communicative Party Jewelry.
  • Garin, Nikolay; Usenyuk, Svetlana; Panova, Maria & Kukanov, Denis: Design Education in Russia – The Experience of the Master of Design Course.
  • Mäkelä, Maarit: In Between Art and Research: Integrating Two realms of Knowing as a Process of Inquiry.
  • Mäkelä, Maarit: The Place and The Product(s) of Making in Practice-Led Research.
  • Usenyuk, Svetlana: Arctic Design – a Methodological Sketch.
  • Xue, Haian & Woolley, Martin: Collective Memory and Nostalgia: A New Perspective on Affective Design Strategy for the Chinese Market.

2008

  • Ahde-Deal, Petra: Domestication and Subjective Value of Jewelry.
  • Ahde-Deal, Petra: Power Jewelry: Mediating Power through Jewelry.
  • Ahde-Deal, Petra & Mikkonen, Jussi: Hello – Bracelets Communicating Nearby Presence of Friends.
  • Mäkelä, Maarit: Minä ja Marilyn: Taiteilija tulkitsijana.
  • Usenyuk, Svetlana: The Russian North – Northern Tourism through Design Professionals.

2007

2006

Earlier publications can be found in the Aalto Research Database.

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