Martyn is Professor of Design and Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Arts & Humanities at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he also serves as Director of Manchester School of Art.
A leading figure in design research and education, Martyn holds advisory roles with the UK Design Council and the Council for Higher Education in Art and Design. He is also a member of the International Advisory Council for the Design Research Society. His previous positions include serving on the Arts and Humanities Research Council Advisory Board and as a College of Experts member for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.
Martyn’s research is rooted in the strategic role design plays across sectors - particularly its power to shape and communicate futures as a catalyst for innovation. With deep expertise in design futures and design for sustainability, he has presented his work nationally and internationally and contributes as a reviewer for various research councils. He has led and collaborated on a wide range of funded research projects.
He has supervised numerous doctoral researchers across diverse areas of design, most of whom investigate the value design brings to organisations and society. With a strong background in curriculum development and academic leadership, Martyn has held key roles including Head of Department and Director of Research and served as an external examiner in the UK and South Korea.
He holds a BA (Hons) in Product Design from Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication (1996), an MA in Industrial Design from Manchester Metropolitan University (1997), and a PhD in Design Futures from Lancaster University (2010).
