EDIA

EDIA

The sense of equity among our partners is constantly evolving, shaped by the community.  

The sense of equity among our partners is constantly evolving, shaped by the community.  

From Fall 2024 to Winter 2025, I worked as a Designer Researcher at the Innovation Hub, University of Toronto. Facilitating workshops to gain student feedback, I learn how equity, diversity, inclusion, and access (EDIA) are embedded in the School’s curriculum, programming, communications, hiring, events, spaces, processes, and culture, and to understand where gaps exist.

From Fall 2024 to Winter 2025, I worked as a Designer Researcher at the Innovation Hub, University of Toronto. Facilitating workshops to gain student feedback, I learn how equity, diversity, inclusion, and access (EDIA) are embedded in the School’s curriculum, programming, communications, hiring, events, spaces, processes, and culture, and to understand where gaps exist.

4

4

Sessions

Sessions

22

22

Interviewees

420

420

session mins

role

Designer Researcher

team

3 Designer Researchers
1 Research Lead

Timeline

8 months

Takeaways

Takeaways

Takeaways

  • Empathy in Design
    I developed a deep understanding of the importance of empathy in design, recognizing that successful products or services depend on truly understanding and connecting with the needs of users and other stakeholders.

  • Applying Qualitative Research to Design Thinking
    I honed my ability to apply qualitative research skills within a design thinking framework, especially through empathy-based interviews, co-creation, and ideation sessions. These experiences equipped me to bridge user insights with creative solutions effectively.

  • Data to Actionable Insights
    Through data analysis and coding in Dedoose, I became skilled at transforming complex research findings into actionable insights and needs-based principles. This process taught me to draw meaningful conclusions that can guide design directions and inspire action.

  • Accessible and Persuasive Communication
    My role required clear, accessible, and persuasive communication, which I cultivated by simplifying complex ideas into impactful messages for diverse audiences, enhancing my storytelling and presentation skills.

  • Collaboration and Integrating Diverse Perspectives
    Working within a team reinforced my ability to value and integrate diverse viewpoints, a key part of creating solutions that are inclusive and well-rounded.

  • Creative Problem-Solving
    This role encouraged me to think creatively and innovatively, especially when adapting insights to enhance the student experience. This strengthened my ability to bring fresh perspectives and solutions to user-centered challenges.

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© 2024 YiHsiu Shen. All rights reserved.✴︎

Let's chat ☺︎

Reach out

✴︎

© 2024 YiHsiu Shen. All rights reserved.✴︎

Let's chat ☺︎

Reach out

✴︎

© 2024 YiHsiu Shen. All rights reserved.✴︎