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Linghao LiResearch Topic

I am a designer and design researcher whose work sits between languages and cultures. Moving from China to the United States has shaped how I see design: as a practice that travels unevenly across scripts, institutions, and communities.

I am currently a Ph.D. student in Design at North Carolina State University, advised by Dr. Deborah Littlejohn. My research develops a principle-based framework for Multilingual Typesetting. I am also deeply committed to design education, particularly design higher education.

Before NC State, I earned an M.A. in Human Centered Design from Cornell University, with a concentration in Design for Interaction and a minor in Anthropology; an M.A. in Graphic Design and Visual Experience from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD); and a B.F.A. in Visual Communication Design from the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts (TAFA) in China.

Outside of research, I photograph, with a particular interest in Northeast Asian documentary traditions. Welcome to my world of design and photography.
Linghao Li ｜李凌昊

PhD in Design 
MA Design in Human centered design ‘24 
MA Graphic Design and Visual Experience ‘22
BFA Visual Communication Design ‘16
NCSU | Cornell｜SCAD｜TAFA
+ 1 912-391-7213 | lli65@ncsu.edu
Behance / Instagram / Linkedin / Mail

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About Myself
Resume/CV

 Throughout my academic and professional journey in past, I have been exposed to various aspects of research and design theory. However, my practical design work has primarily relied on existing research findings, and I hadn't actively engaged in in-depth research to analyze and comprehend design challenges from diverse perspectives. This inclination towards practice-based education likely contributed to my previous approach. Nevertheless, a pivotal shift occurred when I embarked on my research-based education in the United States.

Building upon my foundation in design theory and art education, I have significantly broadened my research interests. During my time at Cornell University's Human-Centered Design Department, I had the privilege of systematically exploring Pluriversal Design under the guidance of Dr. Renata Leitão. Concurrently, I pursued a minor in Anthropology, mentored by Dr. Viranjini Munasinghe. This diverse academic experience, encompassing Cultural Anthropology, Visual Studies, History of Photography, and Design for Interaction, propelled me into the realm of interdisciplinary research and helped me define my unique research trajectory.

A pivotal moment in solidifying my academic direction came through my studies with Professor Andrew Moisey. His deep insights into visual studies and photography profoundly influenced my approach to understanding how visual culture shapes and reflects societal narratives. His mentorship has been instrumental in affirming my commitment to pursuing visual studies as the core of my future academic career.

Presently, my research focuses on the intersection of visual culture, design, art history, and anthropology. I am particularly fascinated by the history of photography and visual media in early 20th-century Northeast Asia, especially in relation to how these mediums influenced socio-political narratives during periods of colonization. 

My passion for these topics drives my commitment to advancing knowledge in these areas. I invite you to explore more about my work and research interests in the following messages. This dedication fuels my pursuit of creating meaningful contributions to the understanding of visual culture and design in East Asia. Welcome to my academic journey.