Hi, my name is Yan Liu, a Master in Design Studies (MDes) student at Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD). I have a strong design background and experience in different types and scales of design including architecture, urban, product, interactive, service and AR/VR. Currently, I am working as an AR/VR Lab Teaching Assistant at the Harvard Innovation Lab. I have also worked at the Changing Places Group at MIT Media Lab focusing on a data-driven, evidence-based approach to modeling and simulating cities using various tools developed for the CityScope and Citymatrix platform.
After coming to the Harvard GSD, I have become increasingly interested in the intersection between art and technology. I believe designers do not just make products, but craft experiences that are attractive and meaningful. I’m also passionate about solving different kinds of problems through human-centered design. My main area of research is HCI with the aim of enabling computers the ability to recognize, understand, even to have and express emotions. I believe the study of Affective Computing could enhance all the senses and extend human capabilities for better learning, communication, and wellbeing. My current research falls in the intersection of HCI, Psychology, User Experience, Design, and Art.
If you are fascinated with Emotional Intelligence, Affective Computing, smart wearables and microscale sensors, please let me know!