Fangzhou Zhang (PhD Student)
Fangzhou Zhang
Supervisors: Prof. Celia Lury and Dr. Michael Dieter
Research Topic:
My research project seeks to understand the concept of super apps beyond a future exemplar of digital media or an industry hype but dialectically what it actually is, and what it means for the people using them. Situated in app studies and critical platform studies, this research investigates the technical architecture, economic strategies, governance framework of super apps as well as the subjective experiences of ordinary people in everyday lives. Moreover, as super apps are geo-specific and have a particular lineage in Asia, the focus on Asian super apps contributes to the de-imperialisation of knowledge production, particularly in the field of media and platform theories.
PhD Working title: On the Super-ness of Super Apps
Background:
I hold an MA (with Distinction) in Digital Media and Culture from CIM and a BA from Beijing Foreign Studies University in China. Before I came to CIM, I worked as a product manager for several tech companies in China, where I participated in various app development projects.
Grants/Awards:
Chancellor’s International Scholarship, University of Warwick, 2022-2023
Outstanding Performance and Best Dissertation for MA in Digital Media and Culture – CIM, 2019-2020
Contact
Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies University of Warwick
Coventry CV4 7AL