Dr Yuchan Zhang

Profile

I obtained my PhD in typography and information design from the Univeristy of Reading in April 2022 before joining the University of Leeds as a Lecturer in November 2022.

I have internationl education background (in China, France, and the UK) in Graphic, Digital, and Communication Design. 

I am interested in incorporating qualitative and quantitative methods to answer research questions. I am familiar with user-centred design approaches and gain from interdisciplinary collaboration. I am acting as a peer reviewer for journals such as Human Factors and Heliyon. My capabilities extend to digital technology innovation. 

Responsibilities

• Deputy Programme Leader of MA Design

Research interests

My research interests lie in understanding how the design of public-facing information, displayed on both static and digital platforms, can improve the quality of the wayfinding experience in a multilingual environment with a highly diverse population. My doctoral research investigates how changing typographic presentation can improve the legibility of Chinese-English road signs, and how it impacts on users’ reading performance. My current research focuses on people in extreme stressful situations along the routes to their target destination which attempts to employ design principles and theories to improve wellbeing in wayfinding experiences under multilingual environments. My interest also extends to digital wayfinding, particularly in exploring how emerging technologies such as AR and VR can enhance decision-making and problem-solving processes. I aim to contribute to the development of innovative solutions that not only enhance navigation but also transform the way we interact with and experience our surroundings.

Qualifications

• PhD Typography and Information Design, University of Reading, UK
• MA Visual Communication Design, School of Design, Jiangnan University, China
• BA Product and Exhibition Design, LuXun Academy of Fine Arts, China
• Exchange Student Graphic Design, École supérieure d'art et de design d'Orléans, France

Student education

I am currently contributing to graphic, digital, and communication design programme for both undergrate and master levels in the school. I also serve as the Deputy Programme Leader of MA Design. I teach a variety of modules in fully online MA Digital Design and Communication.

Research groups and institutes

• Visual communication