Dr Arjun Khara

Profile

I am the Deputy Head of School (Transformation and Experience) and lecturer on the BA Graphic and Communication Design programme at the School of Design. I completed my PhD at the Department of Typography and Graphic Communication, University of Reading. My thesis was on designing for fairness in digital government forms and apps issued during and after COVID-19 in Singapore. This research led to the creation of ‘Fairness Design,’ a new model for analysing digital government forms and documents. During this time I was also working as an associate lecturer, teaching on modules for film poster design, history of graphic communication, and design practice. I have an MA in Computer Games Art and Design from Goldsmiths, University of London (Valedictorian Orator) and a BA in Communications, Media and Culture (Golden Key International Honour Society) from the University of South Australia. I have worked at the Quantico Centre for Communication and Information Literacy as a communications and multimedia specialist in Singapore and the Southeast Asian region, focusing on industries such as multimedia and entertainment, pharmaceuticals, technology, government, finance, hospitality, education, automotive, charities, and NGOs. My clients include Google, AccorHotels, Audi, Government of Brunei, KPMG, Deloitte, Toyota, Bayer, Singapore Airlines, Marina Bay Sands, Changi Airport, The Supreme Court, National University of Singapore, and the Ministries of Defence, Education, and Communications and Information. My primary role was providing services, training, and consultancy on using multimedia platforms, creating web-based, VR, and AR experiences in learning and consumer environments, and implementing and educating organisations on the role of artificial intelligence in design, gaming, education, and assessments. My teaching and research at the University of Leeds integrates industry expertise with academic practices to provide a well-rounded perspective for students and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Deputy Head of School: Transformation and Experience
• CEPD Creative Lead
• Artificial Intelligence Working Group Lead

Research interests

My key research interest is in Artificial Intelligence in Design, AR and VR Experiences, Gaming and Multimedia Platforms, Web Design and Programming, and ‘Fairness Design’. Fairness Design is a new model for analysing digital government forms and apps to create fairer interactions between issuers and users. ‘Fairness Design’ was my original contribution to knowledge and output of my PhD thesis. The model has since been extended to other document genres; I am currently researching the uses and limitations of artificial intelligence systems on fairness design. I am also part of an EPSRC-funded cross-disciplinary research team, between the School of Computing and School of Design, analysing data visualisation in artificial intelligence environments. My research focuses on the intersection between design theory and industry practice to deliver effective continuous professional development (CPD). Before starting my masters and PhD, I worked in Singapore as a communications trainer and multimedia specialist. I was employed at and helped set up the Quantico Centre for Communication and Information Literacy (QCCIL) in Singapore, which conducts multimedia, copywriting, branding, web design, and information design workshops and courses for public, private, and nonprofit organisations. I am continuing my research in CPD-related training systems as an academic contributor and Creative Lead at the School of Design’s new Centre of Excellence for Professional Development (CEPD). I am also lead of the Artificial Intelligence Working Group (AIWG) at the School of Design, managing a team of academics, researchers, practitioners, and programmers to integrate AI across various facets and operations, from ethics, academic policy and assessment to coding, designing, and skills-building for staff and students. As such, I welcome enquiries from potential students interested in researching artificial intelligence in design and multimedia, in addition to digital government design and communication (please see the following Student Education Section).

<h4>Research projects</h4> <p>Any research projects I'm currently working on will be listed below. Our list of all <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/dir/research-projects">research projects</a> allows you to view and search the full list of projects in the faculty.</p>

Qualifications

• PhD Typography and Graphic Communication
• MA Computer Games Design (Valedictorian Orator)
• BA Communication, Media and Culture (Golden Key Hons.)

Professional memberships

• Golden Key International Honour Society
• Adobe Certified Professional

Student education

I am a module leader and tutor for core taught modules on the BA Graphic and Communication Design programme. I also supervise PhD, masters, and final-year undergraduate students. I served as academic lead for the Study Abroad exchange programme at the School of Design prior to being appointed as the Deputy Head of School. As Deputy Head of School for transformation and experience, I work with other members of the School's senior management team to help build consistent and robust environments for students and staff at the School of Design, particularly focusing on digital experiences. I am the academic lead for graphic and technical matters, and in charge of equality, diversity, and inclusivity initiatives at the School. I also manage and run software workshops for staff and students on graphic design, animation, video, and web-development software across the Adobe Creative Suite. I welcome queries from potential research students interested in multimedia specialities, artificial intelligence in design, AR and VR experiences, digital government communication, information design systems, graphic design and communication, interactive design, and branding.

<h4>Postgraduate research opportunities</h4> <p>We welcome enquiries from motivated and qualified applicants from all around the world who are interested in PhD study. Our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk">research opportunities</a> allow you to search for projects and scholarships.</p>