External experts

Daniela Bohlinger in dialogue with UID students during the Aurora project, exploring future user experiences for carbon-positive mobility in collaboration with BMW.

Daniela Bohlinger

Manager Sustainable Digital Design Process, BMW Group

Role:  External advisor / Guest lecturer

Contribution: As a professor of practice, Daniela brought deep expertise in sustainable design to students and faculty at UID. Through lectures and expert advice, she continues to challenge students and faculty to integrate sustainability into every stage of the design process, bridging the gap between visionary ideas and industry realities.

Quote: "My role at UID has been about embedding sustainability into the design process while staying involved with the school’s ambitious students and innovative curriculum. By bringing industry expertise into the classroom, I help ensure UID remains strongly connected and up-to-date." 

Alex Liebert

Founder & CEO, Changeworks Sweden AB

Role: Guest lecturer

Contribution: Alex has been a cornerstone of UID’s Advanced Product Design programme for over a decade, teaching Strategic Design and guiding students in navigating complex innovation challenges. His expertise in transformation and sustainability helps future designers understand how design can drive meaningful change in organisations and society.

Quote: "Design is a catalyst for systemic change – shaping organisations, influencing culture, and addressing societal challenges. At UID, I guide students in developing strategies that integrate sustainability, design language, and business value, empowering them to create research-driven solutions with measurable impact."

Sam Livingstone

Principal, Car Design Research

Role: Guest lecturer / External examiner

Contribution: Sam brings strategic insight into the future of mobility and automotive design. As principal of Car Design Research, he advises design leadership at leading car brands worldwide, including Toyota, Bentley, Polestar, Hyundai, and Volvo. At UID, Sam has contributed as a guest lecturer and external examiner, helping students understand the evolving landscape of intelligent mobility and the role of design in shaping it.

Quote: “I have had the privilege of tutoring at leading design schools for over twenty years and greatly value contributing at UID. The MFA TD programme stands out for its curriculum, dedicated tutors, talented students, and the collaborative culture of Umeå. It is an excellent starting point for exploring the future of mobility.”