I am interested in analyzing subjects in communication design that addresses the well-being, spatial, aesthetic and critical inquiries in physical, cognitive, cultural, and social human factors for meaning that shape design decisions. From a practical standpoint, graphic design deals specifically with a variety of practical media which requires educational exposures in typography, graphics, still and moving images within a framework of cultural, critical, historical, ethical and logistical perspectives. Not just graphic designers are expected to work in multimedia platforms, ordinary citizens are actively involved in using visuals to communicate. Such an impact coupled with the rapid development of technologies which has led to the converging of media further pushes for mass communication schools to acknowledge and revisit the courses offered at educational institutions.

My interests in design have been shaped by a reflective and hands-on approach to design which recognize that there is always an experience created by a product, service, event, environment and people. These interacting elements play a part in contributing to our overall experience. As a result, whether we intend to or not, our perception about a product, service or brand becomes impacted. Catalysts for intellectual stimulation can come from a variety of sources and our daily experience is a valuable resource to tap into as a form of learning mechanism. Using our experience as a platform for learning and discovery is the idea behind my design and pedagogical approaches. Experience is a connection to all aspects of living as it simultaneously helps us to be in the moment. As such, education should not be based merely on the ability to read, write, and count but rather on the human being's total experience, perspectives and perceptions. This can be achieved with the integration of active and critical analysis of various themes within humanistic, social, religious, commercial, educational, and spiritual contexts to facilitate social tolerance and communal understanding.

Travel is a form of active and deep learning, especially the latter in which it is about exposing us to things outside the classroom. Therefore, I have continued to present at conferences with design education, visual and typographic themes. Using technology to solve problems seems to be the trend but it is much harder to intrigue our minds. Imagination has always allowed us to explore within our minds. However, imagination in a market-driven context is limiting due to the realities of a pending deadline, budgetary concerns, design, production and logistical issues. The solutions must be based on real world situations with expected consequences. By doing so, we can open ourselves to a wide array of solutions. When creativity is combined with technical competence, artists can produce art---the tangible end-products of the creative impulse. Neither my ideas nor my presentation of them could have happened without imagination.

I believe that the ultimate purpose for design as an idealistic principle is about enhancing the quality of our lives. Looking forward, I plan to continue to work on understanding how design challenges posed by existing and emerging technologies can positively contribute to learning and teaching environment. Although there are many ways technology can impact us, the ultimate concern of educators is to creatively harness technology into a productive device, aiding in the productivity of transforming ideas into reality.

Research Interests:
Art and design in everyday life

Corporate Identity and Branding System

Creative and conceptual development in visual communication design and processes

Typography: Type as image and vice versa, Experimental Typography

Sustainable and innovative Packaging Design

Personal interests: Asian culture and identity, travel, places, and people