Dr Qais Ahmad

Profile

I am a communication designer, educator, and researcher specialising in design for behaviour change. I am a Lecturer in the School of Design at the University of Leeds, where I teach across undergraduate and postgraduate courses and lead the MA Advertising and Design Programme, with a commitment to developing the next generation of creative and strategic thinkers.

Responsibilities

• Programme Leader for MA Advertising and Design
• Module Leader for Advertising and Design Final Project

Research interests

My research focuses on design for behaviour change, with particular emphasis on sustainable practices, communication design, and social design. I am interested in how design can influence and shape individual everyday behaviours in response to environmental and societal challenges.

A central aspect of my work involves applying and developing research methods to better understand how people think, feel, and act. I use these insights to develop design interventions that communicate effectively while embedding and sustaining meaningful behavioural change.

I am increasingly interested in the role of emerging technologies, including AI, in shaping behaviour and design practice. This includes exploring how AI-driven systems, data-informed design, and interactive technologies can support, personalise, and scale behaviour change interventions in ethical and responsible ways.

I welcome enquiries from prospective PhD candidates who are interested in exploring these areas.

Qualifications

• PhD in Design for Behaviour Change
• MA in Communication Design
• BA in Graphic Design and Applied Arts

Professional memberships

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Student education

My teaching responsibilities span across various undergraduate and postgraduate modules at the School of Design through engaging lectures, seminars, supervisions, and practical sessions. This includes a range of subjects, including but not limited to graphic and communication design principles, design process and principles in advertising, design thinking, branding, creative direction, consumer behaviour,digital and interactive design, and integrated communication.