Hello, I am Trish Kanana!
Biography
Trish is an accomplished Innovator, Researcher and Educator hailing from the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, and now based in the bustling metropolis of Toronto, Canada. Over the years she has honed her craft, having completed her Masters of Design in Digital Futures at OCAD University, where she attained comprehensive knowledge of advanced design techniques.
With an extensive range of skills and abilities, Trish's practice includes a broad range of specializations, such as Wearable Technology, Digital Fabrication, and Academic Research. Her prowess in these areas has earned her a position as an Instructor teaching undergraduate students.
Trish's passion for design is matched only by her deep-rooted love for her African heritage. As an Afrofuturism enthusiast, she infuses her unique designs with the cultural motifs and aesthetics of Africa, creating a one-of-a-kind fusion of tradition and modernity. Her innovative approach has attracted widespread attention, both locally and internationally in this exciting new field.
In addition to her Afrofuturism work, Trish is also actively engaged in Design for Health, with a focus on developing solutions to enhance health and well-being. Her designs are geared towards improving the quality of life for individuals, promoting healthy habits, and encouraging overall wellness.
As a true visionary, Trish's designs have already made a significant impact in the design community. Her contributions to the industry have been widely recognized, and she has received numerous awards and accolades for her innovative work. Her passion, dedication, and expertise in the field of design continues to grow in her practice.
Research interests and creative practice
- Wearable Technology
- Digital Fabrication
- Academic Research
- Design for Health
- Physical Computing
- Afrofuturism
- CAD Modelling
Awards
- 2023 - Certificate of Recognition 1st Place Masters Individual Category - Association of Professional Futurists
- 2023 - HASTAC Critical Making & Social Justice Conference Bursary Award - Pratt Institute - New York, USA
- 2020 - Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) - Government of Canada (Ministry of Colleges and Universities), OCAD University - Toronto, Canada
- 2020 - OCAD U Dean's Scholarship - OCAD University - Toronto, Canada
- 2017 - Prime Ministers Award for Creativity and Innovation - Limkokwing University of Creative Technology - Cyberjaya, Malaysia
Publications
Mwenda, Patricia. "She Is Not Alone! Afrofuturist Wearable Devices for Speculative PTSD Treatment in Kenya." Master's thesis, OCAD University, 2022.
Mwenda, Patricia. Vibrating Knee Brace. Make: Wearable Electronics. 2nd ed., by Kate Hartman, Make Community, 2025, p. 153.
Education
- Master of Design in Digital Futures | Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University | Canada (2020 – June 2022) Thesis focus - wearable technology, Afrofuturism, design for heath
- Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design | Limkokwing University of Creative Technology | Malaysia (Feb 2015 – Dec 2017)
Academia/Speaking Engagements
- Exhibitor - Open Hardware Summit - Concordia University and LESPACEMAKER, Montreal, Canada - May 2024
- Exhibitor - HASTAC Critical Making and Social Justice Conference - Pratt Institute, New York, USA - June 2023
- Speaker - Entropy in Protopia, Demystifying Emerging Creative Economies hosted by Meta, RENDRD Media, Artscape Daniels Launchpad - Nov, 2022
- Sessional Instructor, Toronto Metropolitan University courses:
- Cybernetics and Body-Centric Technologies - Teaching Assistant, OCAD University, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences courses:
- Physical Computing - Research Assistant, OCAD University, Social Body Lab projects:
- Bodies in Play - Bodies in Wearables workshop
- Architectural Companions - Studio Class Assistant, OCAD University, Experimental Fabrication Studio (X-Fab)
- Speaker - Design Kenya Society, Karakana Dialogues - Kenya National Theatre - Product Design Panel Discussion - June, 2019
Employers, and Collaborators
- Toronto Metropolitan University - Canada
- OCAD University - Canada
- Social Body Lab - Canada
- African Born 3D Printing (AB3D) - Kenya
- Quotet Handmade Producers - Kenya
- Euro Chairs Manufacturer - Malaysia
Exhibitions
- Open Hardware Summit, Concordia University - 2024
- HASTAC Critical Making and Social Justice Conference, Pratt Institute - 2023
- Digital Futures OPEN Show, Annual exhibition - 2022
- GradEx 107, OCAD University's 107th Annual Graduate Exhibition - 2022
- Dual Exposure, Thesis Project from the Digital Futures Graduate Program at OCAD University - 2022