This research explores how to improve STI testing uptake within African and Caribbean communities in the UK. Using evidence reviews, interviews, and co-production workshops guided by the ACE framework, the project develops community-informed sexual health interventions designed to increase trust, accessibility, and acceptance of STI testing while reducing stigma and health inequalities.

This research examines how resettlement housing often fails to foster community despite providing physical shelter. By focusing on culturally responsive design of shared spaces, it explores how environments can encourage interaction, trust, and belonging. The goal is to transform housing into socially cohesive communities through design that reflects real human behaviors and connections.

Maternal undernutrition in rural Ethiopia remains highly prevalent at 38 percent. This thesis identifies key drivers including gender inequality, poor nutritional counseling, and cultural food taboos. Using human-centered design, a “couples forum” intervention was developed and validated, showing strong feasibility and cultural acceptability as a promising community-based solution.