Discover Our Majors: Design Studies

Lia Han has her schedule down to a fine art. As a design studies major with a minor in technology, engineering and design education, she spends her days moving seamlessly between woodworking and 3D modeling, art history and digital media — finding design principles everywhere she learns.

“I just wanted to give myself a lot of space and room to grow and explore different areas of disciplines. I think that by doing so, I’ve gained a better understanding of what I want to do,” said Han.

Between classes, she’s leading the Korean American Student Association, creating content with University Communications and Marketing and working as an office assistant with the Intensive English Program.

Developing a Vision

Launched in 2010, NC State’s design studies program is the only non-studio option in the College of Design. The curriculum takes an interdisciplinary approach, engaging students in design thinking and illuminating the role of design in shaping the human experience.

Han is hoping to pursue a career in social media marketing after graduation, combining her part-time job as a content creator with her coursework. 

“I was more interested in the design process and the relationship between human users and design products,” said Han. “That connects with social media because it is a digital interface and it affects the people who use it — and their relationships with others and how they interact with society.”

As a senior, Han is currently working to complete her yearlong capstone project under the guidance of Andrés Téllez, an assistant professor in design studies. Titled “The Effect of Short Form Content on Adolescent Attention,” Han’s research combines the interests she has honed in the College of Design — and she says it’s her proudest achievement.

“I’m really proud of all of the work I put into it. Not only designing [the research poster], but the months of research as well. It surprises me that I was able to do all of that by myself,” said Han.

Creating Her Community

A Charlotte native, Han’s path to the Wolfpack was inspired by her older brother, who graduated in 2019, and their family visits to NC State. “Growing up, he was always one of my biggest role models,” said Han. He was her first text when the red acceptance letter showed up in her mailbox.

“When I came to Raleigh, especially NC State, I really was surprised by how much more diverse it was,” said Han. “I was really looking forward to joining not only an Asian organization, but finding other Korean Americans.”

During the spring semester of her freshman year, Han and a few friends revived the Korean American Student Association (KASA). What started with 10 total members has now grown to a 15-person executive board leading popular campus events.

With just a few months left at NC State, Han looks back on her memories with KASA as defining moments in her college career.

“I’m really thankful for it because it helped me develop better social skills and not be so scared to speak up and talk to other people,” said Han. “I feel more secure in who I am and who I want to be. All of these college experiences have helped me grow and become who I am today.”