Yoko’s teaching has been motivated by re-learning wisdoms, practices and ways of being that can often be found in unexpected places where disciplines tend to overlook. There are, and have always been, many approaches that can be called designing. Such diverse practices have been active under other names, entangled in relationships, histories, materials, spirituality, philosophies and worldviews, that have been resilient in the tsunami of modernisation. By unlearning and re-learning expansive and entangled approaches as designing, Yoko is supporting staff and students pursue their own pathways in work and life across many worlds.    

Yoko also collaborates with staff and students to expand what teaching and learning could become on the unceded lands of Kulin nation. This work commenced in 2014, through collaboration with members of Wiradjuri nation (download Designing with Indigenous Nation booklet for more information). This work was recognised by RMIT DVCE’s Award for Teaching Innovation and the Ralph McIntosh Medal in 2018. In the postgraduate courses, Yoko is guiding students that are studying participatory codesign, service and social design.