Younjung Hwang

Hello. I am an Assistant Professor at Hunan University in China. I am also a member of the Korean Society of Design Science and the Korean Society of Design History. My research explores methods to utilize generative AI in graphic design and investigates its educational effects.
Previously, I graduated from the Visual Communication Design Department at Hongik University in Korea and received my PhD from the same graduate school. Throughout my academic journey, I have published several books exploring graphic design and Chinese design in Korea.I am passionate about generative AI, Asian visual culture, and design. I welcome collaboration opportunities with fellow researchers and designers interested in these areas. Feel free to reach out if our research interests align!

CV (Eng / Kor)

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Research

#AI-Human designer collaboration
#AI design education
#Visual design
#Graphic design
#East Asian design

I aim to discourage the indiscriminate generation of images by generative AI, and instead explore how AI can be effectively applied to creative processes in visual design fields (graphic design, poster design, logo design, brand design, package design, etc.) for both students and professionals. Additionally, I propose methods for contemporary expression of East Asian visual culture and aesthetics through collaboration with generative AI. To address this, I take three complementary approaches:

[Designer = Content Creator] I propose that designers move beyond their traditional role as visual technicians to become content creators who can accurately convey images using appropriate keywords.
[AI = Inspiration Tool] I discourage the current design creation method that blindly relies on and generates from AI technology. AI should serve as a creative tool that provides inspiration to designers while supporting human self-efficacy and psychological stability.
[Design = Philosophy] Ultimately, AI is a tool for effectively expressing one’s thoughts and stories, and designers should use AI technology to visually express their truth. I find this creative attitude in East Asian aesthetics. In other words, art and technology are connected as one with philosophy. Ultimately, how can we capture the truth of the world in our visual culture?

Latest News

Ongoing

Book
I am currently writing a book titled China Design Journey in collaboration with Ahn Graphics, the largest design publisher in Korea. This book vividly introduces the unique design characteristics and charm of various Chinese cities to Korean readers. If you have any Chinese design cities you would like to recommend, please email me. I look forward to being inspired by your ideas and creating a great book.

02/2025

Exhibition
I participated in the 2025 VIDAK International Invitational Exhibition with the work titled from February 11–14, 2025, at the University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa.

01/2025

Paper
The paper “Graphic Design Education in the Era of Text‐to‐Image Generation: Transitioning to Contents Creator” co-authored with Yi Wu, has been published in the International Journal of Art & Design Education (SSCI/A&HCI). This study explores the evolving role of graphic designers and design methodologies in the era of generative AI.

01/2025

Paper
The paper “Artificial Intelligence in Design Process: An Analysis Using Text Mining” co-authored with Yi Wu and Seokjun Jeong, has been published in Applied Artificial Intelligence (SCIE). This study explores which stages of the design process and which design disciplines actively utilize generative AI.

01/2025

Paper
The paper “The Influence of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Creative Cognition of Design Students: A Chain Mediation Model of Self-Efficacy and Anxiety” co-authored with Yi Wu, has been published in Frontiers in Psychology (SSCI). This study explores how generative AI affects design students’ self-efficacy and psychological anxiety, ultimately demonstrating that generative AI can enhance their creative cognition.