Yoon Jung Choi | Industrial Design | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yoon Jung Choi | Industrial Design | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, United States.

Yoon Jung Choi is a versatile design practitioner, researcher, and educator with a rich academic background and extensive professional experience. Holding a Ph.D. in Innovation Design Engineering from the Royal College of Art, UK, Choi’s research focuses on promoting object longevity and material circulation through care practice. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech, where he contributes to undergraduate student pastoral support and program development in Industrial Design. Prior academic appointments at the University of Arts London and the Royal College of Art reflect his dedication to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability in design education. With a solid foundation in graphic communication and product design, Choi has also gained valuable experience in graphic design and structural packaging design through his work with various firms. His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and grants, highlighting his commitment to excellence in both research and teaching.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Yoon Jung Choi pursued his academic journey with fervor, earning several degrees that laid the foundation for his distinguished career in design. In 2019, he obtained his Ph.D. in Innovation Design Engineering from the Royal College of Art in the UK. Under the guidance of esteemed supervisors including Dr. John Stevens, Clare Brass, Dr. Leila Sheldrick, and Dr. Dan Lockton, he delved into research exploring user detachment from objects at the end of their lifecycle, advocating for object longevity and material circulation through care practice. Prior to his doctoral studies, Choi completed a Master of Art in Graphic Communication Design at Kingston University in 2003, focusing his thesis on promoting healthy eating habits through packaging design. His academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Art in Product and Industrial Design from the University of the Arts London in 2002, providing him with a solid foundation in design principles and methodologies. Through his academic pursuits, Choi demonstrated a commitment to innovative thinking and interdisciplinary research, setting the stage for his impactful contributions to the field of design.

Academic Appointment:

Yoon Jung Choi has held significant academic appointments, contributing to the advancement of design education and research. Since 2022, he has served as an Assistant Professor in the School of Design within the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design at Virginia Tech in the US. In this tenure-track position, Choi assumes responsibility for providing pastoral support to undergraduate students, monitoring their progress and attendance, and maintaining academic records. Moreover, he plays a pivotal role in expanding the Industrial Design program’s scope by integrating it into broader material and visual cultures and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse social communities it serves. Additionally, he spearheads research initiatives that enrich the Industrial Design program, leaving a lasting impact on both the profession and the university. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, from 2020 to 2022, Choi held a lecturer position at the University of Arts London, specifically within Central Saint Martins, UK. In this role, he was responsible for guiding undergraduate students, supporting their academic progress, and fostering an inclusive learning environment. He actively contributed to curriculum development, incorporating pedagogic approaches that promote critical thinking and diversity in product design. Notably, he organized events aimed at celebrating cultural diversity and introduced initiatives to enhance student well-being and engagement. Through these appointments, Choi has demonstrated a dedication to fostering creativity, innovation, and inclusivity in design education.

Professional Experience:

Yoon Jung Choi has a rich professional background spanning various roles in the design industry. From serving as a Graphic Designer at Kang and Kang Law Firm in Seoul, Korea, to holding positions as a Senior Structural and 3D Packaging Designer at Bluemarlin Brand Design in London, UK, Choi has amassed extensive experience in conceptualizing and managing projects for notable clients. Additionally, his tenure as a Design Researcher at Samsung Design Europe in the UK highlights his involvement in collaborative research on future trends in electronic devices. Through internships and diverse experiences, Choi has honed his skills and acquired valuable insights, positioning himself as a seasoned design practitioner and researcher.

Award and Honors:

Yoon Jung Choi has been recognized with several prestigious awards and honors for his contributions to the fields of design and sustainability. These include the New Faculty Teaching Award from Virginia Tech School of Design in 2023, major SEAD Grants from the Institute for Creativity Art & Technology for Sustainable Art Painting projects in 2023 and 2024, and the Toshiba Hard Disc Drive Revolution Design Competition Highly Commended Award in 2005. Additionally, Choi has received scholarships and funding from institutions such as the Royal College of Art, further acknowledging his excellence in research and academic endeavors. His ongoing projects have also garnered pending funds from organizations like the Roanoke Women’s Foundation and VT Engage Development fund, highlighting the continued recognition and support for his innovative work in sustainable design.

Research Interest:

Yoon Jung Choi’s research interests lie at the intersection of design, sustainability, and user behavior. Specifically, he focuses on understanding how design can influence user attachment and detachment from objects, with the aim of promoting object longevity and material circulation through care practices. Additionally, Choi explores topics related to sustainable art and painting, seeking innovative ways to transform farm waste into sustainable pigments for artistic use. Through his research, Choi aims to contribute to the field of design by addressing pressing environmental challenges and promoting responsible consumption and production practices.

Research Skills:

Yoon Jung Choi, a design practitioner, researcher, and educator, holds a Ph.D. in Innovation Design Engineering from the Royal College of Art, UK. His doctoral thesis focused on understanding user detachment from hibernating or accumulated objects at the end of use, aiming to promote object longevity and material circulation through care practice. With a Master of Art in Graphic Communication Design from Kingston University and a Bachelor of Art in Product and Industrial Design from the University of the Arts London, Choi has a solid academic background. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech, where he is responsible for undergraduate student pastoral support and program development in Industrial Design. Previously, Choi held academic positions at the University of Arts London and the Royal College of Art, where he contributed to the development of pedagogic approaches and curricula to promote diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability in product design education. In addition to his academic roles, Choi has professional experience in graphic design and structural packaging design, having worked with firms such as Kang and Kang Law Firm, Bluemarlin Brand Design, SiebertHead, and others. Throughout his career, Choi has received numerous awards and grants for his research and teaching contributions, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in design practice and education.