Jana Riedel

Biography

Jana is the XR Project Manager at the UAL Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute, where she oversees the purpose-built specialist research Extended Reality (XR) Lab. This innovative facility aims to transform the experience of digital textiles and dress within the experience economy, with broad applications across the Creative Industries. The lab focuses on integrating these digital assets into screen, real-time, and live performance spaces and contexts.

As a cultural historian, Jana completed her doctoral research at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). Her research examined the theory of cultural transfer, establishing Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as a major agent of European cultural transfer. Currently, she is applying her research skills to explore immersive experiences within the museums and cultural heritage sector.

Prior to her current role, Jana worked in the V&A’s Research Institute, where she contributed to Made in Code as part of the Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology Creative R&D Partnership project. This experience bridges her background in film and cultural history with cutting-edge developments in digital textiles and extended reality technologies.