About Me

I am a visual communication designer and researcher working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, visual systems, and cultural imagination. With a Ph.D. in Visual Communication from Tsinghua University, my work explores how intelligent technologies reshape design authorship, human–machine collaboration, and the contemporary expression of traditional visual culture.

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Research & Creative Practice

  • Human–Machine Collaborative Design
    I study how AI participates in visual creation, design decision-making, and professional workflows.
  • Cultural Interfaces & Chinese Visual Systems
    I explore Chinese characters, traditional symbols, and cultural memory as living design systems in contemporary media.
  • Speculative AI Art & Design Philosophy
    I use AI as a medium to investigate materiality, memory, authorship, and the boundary between human imagination and machine generation.

Selected Experience

  • Product Designer, Rockhood.ai
    Feb 2025 – Now
    Leading brand, UI, and product design for an AI-powered conversational real estate platform.
  • UX Designer, Tsinghua Future Lab
    2024 – Now
    Designed user journey maps and AI tools for senior care and natural language interaction.
  • Design Intern, Baidu / Alibaba / SenseTime
    Explored large-scale product systems and AI-driven interfaces across different industry contexts. Gained experience working within cross-functional teams and understanding real-world design constraints.

Education

  • PhD in Visual Communication
    2020 – 2024, Tsinghua University
    Research in intelligent design, ancient character innovation, and speculative AI interfaces.
  • MA in Visual Communication
    2016 – 2019, Tsinghua University
    Focus on revitalizing traditional culture through virtual exhibitions and visual systems.
  • BA in Visual Communication
    2012 – 2016, Tsinghua University
    Trained in fundamental design skills: logo design, typography, packaging, and motion graphics.

Publications

  • 2026, Thinking Skills and Creativity (Elsevier) · with H. Yang and U. Amnueypol
  • Covered with AI: The Speculative Design (AI包浆:一种思辨性设计)
    2024, Chinese Art 《中国艺术》, 2024(3) · with Jiang Xiangwei
  • 2024, Design 《设计》, 37(9)
  • Harmonizing with Machines: Development and Challenges of Human-Machine Collaborative Design (与机器共鸣:人机协同设计的发展与挑战)
    2024, Design Research 《设计艺术研究》, 14(5): 11–16
  • Research on the Application and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Visual Communication Design (人工智能在视觉传达设计中的应用与影响研究)
    2024, PhD Dissertation, Tsinghua University · Advisor: Prof. Chen Nan
  • 2023, International Journal of Arts Theory & History, 18(2): 21–42 · with H. Yang and U. Amnueypol
  • Design Philosophy Under the Compulsion of Technology: Materiality, Holism, and Creativity (技术促逼下的设计哲学:物质性、整体性、创造力)
    2023, Journal of Oriental Design 《东方设计学报》, 3(4): 83–87
  • Virtual Zoo Design Based on Animal Imagery in Traditional Chinese Culture (基于中国传统文化中动物形象研究的虚拟动物园设计)
    2019, Master’s Thesis, Tsinghua University · Advisor: Prof. Chen Nan

Conference Presentations

  • “Visualization of Dreams: An Analysis of Artificial Intelligence in Surrealist Art Creation” (presentation proposal)
    2024, Nineteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society · Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea + Online · May 24–26, 2024

Exhibitions

  • National Graphic Design Exhibition (Selected / Finalist)
    2025, China Artists Association
  • Tianjin Youth Art Season (Selected Work)
    2025, Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts
  • 2025, North America Federation of Tsinghua Alumni Association
  • Chinese Character Interactive Festival
    2022, Macao

Awards

  • Shenzhen Global Design Award (Excellence Award / Kunpeng Award)
    2024, Shenzhen Municipal Government / Shenzhen Innovation & Creative Design Development Office
  • BIAF Busan International Art Festival (Silver Award)
    2024, Busan Metropolitan City / BIAF Organizing Committee
  • Asia Vanguard Art and Design Competition / 亚洲新锐艺术与设计大赛 AVADC (First Prize)
    2024

Activities