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Dr. Dara Cunningham

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Founder | Cognitive Scientist | Conscious Design Leader​

 

Dr. Dara Cunningham is a visionary leader at the forefront of human-centered innovation, blending cognitive science, environmental psychology, and design strategy to create transformative solutions that enhance both digital and physical worlds. With dual Ph.D.s in Cognitive Science and Design & Planning from the University of Colorado, Dara’s groundbreaking research bridges ecological design, user perception, and sustainable systems to inform future-ready practices.

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As Founder of ActivitySystems and NeuroArchitecture, Dara has partnered with world-class organizations, including Google, Boeing, Broadcom, Johnson Controls, DaVita, and The New School to deliver research and design strategies that improve enterprise software, healthcare systems, aerospace operations, and global innovation initiatives. Her expertise spans UX research, AI integration, data science, and contemplative design, making her a trusted advisor for organizations navigating complexity at scale.

 

 

A global thought leader in Conscious and Contemplative Design, Dara integrates trauma-informed, ecological, and mindfulness-based practices into her work. She designs inclusive environments from healthcare systems to therapeutic spaces that support resilience, healing, and human flourishing. As a credentialed psychedelic guide and Fellow at The Centre for Conscious Design, Dara is pioneering how science, design, and mindfulness converge to reimagine leadership, organizations, and communities.

 

 

Her career highlights include:

  • Shaping Conscious Design into a global movement recognized in research, education, and practice.

  • Delivering validated insights that transformed enterprise customer and employee experiences across industries.

  • Leading cross-sector design initiatives that blend data-driven research with human-centered innovation.

  • Mentoring and training future leaders in design research, strategy, and mindful innovation.

 

With over two decades of experience, Dara continues to push boundaries, proving that design, when rooted in science, empathy, and sustainability, has the power to create lasting impact for people, organizations, and the planet.

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