Know my audience —— Prof. HAM Soojung, Rhode Island School of Design

DS Lecture: Know your audience

Time: 16:20 — 18:00, Thursday, Sept. 12th

Venue: Lecture hall, 11th FL, Zhiyuan C1

Working language: English with simultaneous Chinese interpreting

Zoom meeting ID: 852 9597 6366

Passcode: 388 017

Abstract:

Industrial designers' roles are always shifting as technological advancements impact our ability to connect invisible systems and envision a better future. As a maker, designer, and educator, my 30-year journey in the field of industrial design has involved engaging with changes through collaborations with various stakeholders and entities. Starting with questions and listening has always been the most exciting part of discovery and collaboration. Through the interconnected development of my industry experience, academic research, and teaching, I have found that storytelling and empathy are our best tools for fostering creativity and achieving impactful and innovative outcomes. I will share stories and examples from my ongoing experiences.

Speaker:

HAM Soojung, Professor, Industrial Design Department, Rhode Island School of Design

Soojung HAM is a full professor in the Industrial Design Department at the Rhode Island School of Design. Before transitioning to academia, she began her career as a professional designer with companies such as Samsonite, A.T. Cross, and Gilette. While establishing her expertise as an educator, Soojung has continued to practice as a design consultant for several companies, including Gilette and Samsung Electronics. In her academic research, Soojung has collaborated with professors from Brown University and various small startups. She has also developed her own project on future HVAC platform design as a resident at the Autodesk Technology Centers in Boston and has a patent pending.