Interdisciplinary research
political science + history + human-centered design + design justice + visual arts
-
What is Beautiful is Good, and Batman is Both (SMU, 2021)
A Case Study of the Visualization & Social Construction of Morality through the character designs of Batman the Animated Series 1992.
In the age of visual storytelling, we intentionally and unintentionally socially construct, reproduce, and reinforce visual perceptions of morality through our popular media.
This case study seeks to examine how Batman the Animated Series (1992) socially constructs morality through its character designs. Specifically, how it reinforces a certain visual norm as morally good (moral) while portraying divergences from this norm as morally evil (immoral).
-
The Visible & Invisible Design of Dallas County, Texas (SMU, 2020)
To truly improve the voter experience, we must examine the experience design of voting as a whole, and the invisible aspects that build or demolish barriers to voting, even before the voter comes in contact with their ballot.
Through this visual research article, I aim to examine the current state of visible and invisible design of the voter experience in Dallas County, Texas. For the purpose of this article, I define visible design as graphic and interface design of physical and digital materials that a potential voter interacts with. I define service design as the systems, people, and processes put in place to create a certain experience or provide a certain service.
-
A Reflection for Critical Pedagogy in & Decolonization of Human-Centered Design in Higher Education (SMU, 2021)
The author reflects upon her experience as a Master’s candidate in human-centered design in a PWI and uses this as a catalyst to examine contemporary critique of human-centered design (HCD) and how it is taught in higher education. This paper argues that HCD is a neutral and influential force that has the ability to produce outcomes that deeply impact the future of our shared society and therefore its education to future students and designers must be grounded in critical pedagogy and decolonized. The author highlights contemporary discussion on critiques of HCD, why HCD is important in academia and society at large, and concludes with recommendations for potential improvements to decolonize HCD in higher level education.
Conferences & publications
-
Building Community: Insights from DAAART, CIMA, & Black Arts DFW (Cedars Union Arts Incubator, Lecture Series, 2024)
Panel Discussion moderated by Christina Hahn ft. Reyna Ramirez of CIMA and Cathryn McClellan of Black Arts DFW
-
Leftover: The Enduring Legacy of Chinese Cuisine in Dallas, TX (AAS Conference, 2024)
Asian American Studies Conference 2024, Seattle WA. Co-Presenter at Panel: “Our Southern Accents: AAPI in the South.”
-
The Visible & Invisible Voter Experience Design of Dallas County (ACD, 2022)
Association of Community Design, 44th Inaugural Conference: Intersections of Justice. Presenter.
-
Coalition Building Report (2024)
Data Survey & Research Analysis of AAPI-serving community organizations in Texas by Asian Texans for Justice. Co-author.
-
Finding Sondok: Female King (RASR, 2017)
Inaugural edition of Rice University’s undergraduate journal: Rice Asian Studies Review. Published author.