Hi! I’m Xenia, or Kseniia, or xè

BIO


I’m an interdisciplinary researcher and practitioner working at the intersection of participatory design and more-than-human governance. I’m currently pursuing a PhD at Hasselt University in Belgium, where my research investigates new approaches to ecological democracy through the lens of critical design studies and environmental humanities.

With a background in visual and eco-social design, I’ve mostly worked on sociocultural projects: applying design research to questions of identity and language politics in border regions, co-creating participatory strategies for cultural initiatives, and facilitating public engagement in the reimagination of commons. In parallel, I maintain a strong ongoing interest in the roles of diasporas in academia and beyond.

Let’s stay in touch!

︎︎︎ Email
︎︎︎ LinkedIn
︎︎︎ ORCID
Hi! I’m Xenia, or Kseniia, or Xè

BIO


I’m an interdisciplinary researcher and practitioner working at the intersection of participatory design and more-than-human governance. I’m currently pursuing a PhD at Hasselt University in Belgium, where my research investigates new approaches to ecological democracy through the lens of critical design studies and environmental humanities.

With a background in visual and eco-social design, I’ve mostly worked on sociocultural projects: applying design research to questions of identity and language politics in border regions, co-creating participatory strategies for cultural initiatives, and facilitating public engagement in the reimagination of commons. In parallel, I maintain a strong ongoing interest in the roles of diasporas in academia and beyond.

Let’s stay in touch!

︎︎︎ Email
︎︎︎ LinkedIn
︎︎︎ ORCID


DOLOMÌA
2022



Group project for the Project 2 Lab at the Free University of Bolzano-Bozen.
Team: Hannah Marti, Kseniia Obukhova, Sofia Scroppo.
a.y. 2021-2022
In 2022, within the Eco-Social Design master's program at the Free University of Bolzano-Bozen, our team created "Dolomìa," a concept for an interactive digital platform for migrant associations. This project was part of the "FIA - Formazione e informazione per una Città Inclusiva e Aperta" initiative in collaboration with EURAC Research, Studio Comune, and Associazione La Strada – Der Weg.

South Tyrol is home to various formal and informal groups led by individuals with migration backgrounds, offering crucial social and cultural inclusion services. After conducting research, including focus groups, interviews, and questionnaires, our team noticed that many of these associations encountered similar challenges due to their voluntary nature. Consequently, our group designed a digital networking platform to enhance the involvement of individuals with foreign origins in decision-making processes. This platform also seeks to promote a culture of recognition and interest in the work of migrant associations, increasing their visibility.

Implementing this platform represents the initial step toward establishing a digital commons that provides a socially progressive alternative for resource sharing and collective organisation, emphasising sustainability and democracy.

︎︎︎ article on Eurac (link)
︎︎︎ photos above by Asia De Lorenzi (Associazione La Strada – Der Weg)



© Kseniia (xè) Obukhova 2025