Joanne Liu
I am made up of 40% love for psychology, 30% of constant curiosity, 20% deep care for human stories, and 10% firm belief for inclusive design.
UX Researcher with a Background in Psychology and Social Impact, Bringing Expertise in Inclusive Design, Behavioral Analysis, and Cross-Cultural Communication to Drive Human-Centered Innovation and Strategic Growth
A Bit About Me
I'm a graduate student at Columbia University with a foundation in psychology and social work, passionate about designing for inclusion and emotional impact. My work spans interdisciplinary projects: from designing a tabletop game to support Theory of Mind development in autistic children, to researching how serious games like The Witcher III influence player motivation and well-being. I’ve also led focus groups introducing inclusive design to older adults, combining creative engagement with behavioral insight. Across every project, I strive to bridge empathy with evidence, crafting experiences that are both meaningful and measurable.
April 2025
“Guess the Animal”: A Tabletop Game to Foster Theory of Mind in Autistic Children
Jul 2024
Serious Play, Serious Impact: Investigating Emotional UX and Player Motivation in Dark Narrative Games
Jan 2024
Uncovering social isolation challenges for older adults through life mapping.
I led the UX research and design of a tabletop game for autistic children using the Double Diamond process. Through user journey mapping, persona development, and inclusive design frameworks (UbD, UDL), I crafted mechanics that promote empathy and perspective-taking. Usability testing and behavioral observations guided iterative refinement to ensure engagement, accessibility, and cognitive impact.
Explored user motivation and emotional engagement in dark-themed games through qualitative analysis of The Witcher III, applying Flow Theory and Self-Determination Theory to understand how emotionally challenging narratives create meaningful, immersive player experiences.
Led qualitative UX research exploring older adults’ experiences with social isolation, uncovering emotional pain points and community touchpoints through interviews and observational insights to inform inclusive, empathy-driven service design.
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