The Trembling “Cloud” — Data Cities
Exploring how a multisensory installation can make the physical impacts of AI infrastructure perceptible through sound, vibration and proximity-based interaction.
Human–Computer Interaction · Design Informatics
Ziwei Zheng
Public Art · Physical Making · Interactive Media
I’m a Design Informatics master’s student at the University of Edinburgh with a background in Public Art. Through user-centred research and hands-on prototyping, I explore how everyday objects, physical spaces and digital media shape human experience.
My work spans interactive installations, speculative design and participatory urban planning.
Research Interests
My research interests lie in Human–Computer Interaction, particularly tangible and embodied interaction, multisensory experiences, and participatory and speculative design. I explore how physical objects, spaces and digital media can support personal memory, emotional engagement and public reflection on the social and environmental implications of technology.
Tangible & Embodied InteractionPersonal Memory & Multisensory ExperienceParticipatory & Speculative Design
Current Research Projects
Everyday Keepsakes & Digital Memory
Investigating how students preserve meaningful keepsakes and create digital memory pages through semi-structured interviews and think-aloud usability evaluation.
Selected Design Projects
Second Breath — Tangible Interaction & Immersive Experience
Developed an immersive nature prototype informed by interviews and personas, using NFC-tagged natural objects to trigger projected scenes and sound.
Urban Blocks — XR for Participatory Urban Planning
Designed an XR platform concept for collaborative urban planning, translating stakeholder needs into modular spaces, role-based workflows and interface concepts.
The Fate of Pure City — Speculative Design & Data Ethics
Explored how environmental data could shape social governance through fictional interfaces, miniature sets and stop-motion storytelling, addressing privacy, agency and inequality.
City as Interface — User Research & Service Design
Translated interviews, personas and content analysis into a reusable video-production workflow and a map-based local discovery service concept.
Experience
Anhui Dashan Culture Communication Co., Ltd.Jul. 2025 – Aug. 2025
Design Assistant
- Created 20+ promotional visuals and contributed to an exhibition visual identity adopted on site; informed design proposals through client research and user personas.
Anhui Provincial Department of CommerceJul. 2024 – Aug. 2024
Exhibition Design Assistant
- Supported exhibition spatial planning, 3D modelling, and visitor route optimisation; designed infographics and bilingual signage.
Wenfeng Natural Resources Office, Tanghe CountyJul. 2023 – Aug. 2023
Intern
- Produced CAD planning drawings, organised land-use data, and supported renovation proposals for older residential areas and historical sites.
Student Leadership & Organisation
Henan Finance University2022–2024
Coordinated student competitions and campus activities in collaboration with faculty and student teams.
Selected Awards & Exhibitions
National Silver Award
Laojia Henan Creative Photography Competition
National Second Prize
11th Zhong Zhuang Cup National Undergraduate Environment Design Competition
National Third Prize
11th Zhong Zhuang Cup National Undergraduate Environment Design Competition
First Prize, Henan Division
Milan Design Week — China Collegiate Design Competition & Exhibition
Selected & Exhibited
25th Pingyao International Photography Festival
Education
The University of EdinburghSep. 2026 – Aug. 2027
MA Design Informatics
Henan Finance UniversitySep. 2022 – Jun. 2026
Bachelor of Arts in Public Art
- Achieved a final average of 87.61/100.
- Ranked first in the 2024–2025 academic year.
Skills
Research
User Interviews, Persona Development, Stakeholder Mapping, User Journey Mapping, Desk Research
Design
Interaction Design, Tangible Interaction, Information Architecture, Wireframing, Spatial & Multisensory Experience Design, Speculative Design
Prototyping & Visual Communication
Physical Prototyping, Model Making, Spatial Storytelling, Storyboarding, Photography, Video Production
Tools & Technologies
Figma, SketchUp, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Python, Arduino, GitHub, AI-Assisted Prototyping