PhD Student | Industrial Designer | Researcher

Translating emerging technologies
into accessible, human-centered design

University of Cincinnati, DAAP Dissertation: Open-Source Urban Design Frameworks and Tools for Simulation Research
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I am a PhD Student in Regional Development Planning at the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), where I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor in Industrial Design and Presidential Fellow.

My research investigates how industrial design can translate emerging technologies, including AI, digital twins, physical computing, and digital fabrication, into accessible, human-centered systems with measurable social impact. I approach design as both a research practice and a civic tool, integrating theory, computation, making, and participation to address accessibility, inclusion, and equity in designed environments.

With over four years of teaching experience in undergraduate industrial design studios at DAAP, I emphasize human-centered inquiry, accessibility, and iterative making. My pedagogical approach encourages students to move beyond form-driven solutions toward designs grounded in research, context, and impact.

Education

PhD, Regional Development Planning
University of Cincinnati (in progress)
MDes, Design
University of Cincinnati, 2023
BS, Comprehensive Design
Indiana University, 2021
Summa Cum Laude

Focus Areas

  • Accessibility & Universal Design
  • Tactile & Multisensory Design
  • AI & Emerging Technologies
  • Digital Twins & Smart Cities
  • Physical Computing
  • Digital Fabrication
  • Design Pedagogy

01

Research

Open-Source Urban Design Framework
Doctoral Research

Open-Source Urban Design Frameworks and Tools for Simulation Research

Developing a game-engine-based framework that integrates spatial data, simulation, and participatory input to support human-centered urban design. This work bridges planning theory, design practice, and lived experience through research-through-design methodologies.

Tools Unreal Engine, Python, GIS
Keywords Digital Twins, AI-Assisted Methods, Participatory Design, Open-Source
Status In Progress | Expected completion 2027
Tactile storybooks for visually impaired children
Applied Research

Tactile Storybooks for Visually Impaired Children

Led design and testing of 3D-printed tactile artifacts paired with braille storybooks at the Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Developed user-testing methodologies and supported international distribution.

Universal Design 3D Printing User Testing
AI-Assisted Analysis & Data Collection Platform
Open-Source Tools

AI-Assisted Analysis & Data Collection Platform

Developed and published open-source research tools including a Raspberry Pi-based data collection platform and an AI-assisted analysis tool. Used in workshops, lectures, and collaborative research projects.

Physical Computing AI Python
GitHub →
VR Research - Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis

VR as a Tool to Connect Social Science & Design Research

Investigated virtual reality's potential to connect social science and design research through a case study of implicit bias in virtual interactions.

Virtual Reality HCI Social Science Published Thesis
Aircraft Seating & Accessible Design Systems
Patents

Aircraft Seating & Accessible Design Systems

Co-inventor on two U.S. patents: transformable seat systems for aircraft interiors (2022) and adaptable toilet systems (2023).

Product Design Accessibility Innovation

02

Teaching

Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is grounded in studio-based, research-informed learning, with a strong emphasis on undergraduate industrial design education. I believe undergraduate studios are where students develop foundational design habits, ethical awareness, and confidence as makers and thinkers.

In my studios, I emphasize human-centered inquiry, accessibility, and iterative making. Students are encouraged to move beyond form-driven solutions toward designs grounded in research, context, and impact. Projects balance conceptual rigor with technical skill development in CAD, digital fabrication, visualization, and prototyping.

Teaching Experience

Adjunct Instructor, Industrial Design Studios
University of Cincinnati, DAAP | 2022–Present

Co-lead undergraduate industrial design studios emphasizing human-centered, accessible, and research-informed design across foundation through intermediate levels.

Graduate Assistant (Teaching)
Ullman School of Design | 2021–2023

Supported undergraduate studios and lecture courses through tutorials, critiques, and curriculum development.

View Teaching Portfolio →

Courses Taught

  • INDL 2010: Industrial Design Studio 2
  • INDL 2011: Industrial Design Studio 3
  • Foundation Design Studios

Prepared to Teach

  • Undergraduate ID Studios (Foundation–Intermediate)
  • Human-Centered & Inclusive Design
  • Digital Fabrication & Prototyping
  • Design Research Methods
  • Emerging Technologies in Design

Pedagogical Focus

  • User-Centered Research
  • Iterative Prototyping
  • Design Critique
  • Technical Skills (CAD, Fabrication)
  • Accessibility & Universal Design

03

Selected Design Work

Rehabilitative design - senior capstone

Rehabilitative Design for the Juvenile Justice System

Senior Capstone | 2020

Statera public art installation

Statera – Public Art Installation

Collaborative Design | 2019

Modular screen for MADLABS

Modular Screen for MADLABS

Competition Winner | 2019

CNC wood screen

CNC Wood Screen

Digital Fabrication | 2019

Steam bent chair design

Steam Bent Chair

Featured in "Process" Exhibition | 2019

04

Publications & Presentations

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Furber, M., Sun, Y., & Levesque, H. (Accepted). A framework for AI integration and human intervention in human-centered design pedagogy. Human-Computer Interaction International Conference Proceedings.

Workshops

Robledo, A., Levesque, H., & Bui, D. (2024). Digital twins in co-design workshops. IDSA.

Presentations (Selected)

Levesque, H. (2025). Raspberry Pi data collection and AI-assisted analysis. IRiS Ignite Conference, University of Cincinnati.
Levesque, H. (2025). AI-assisted literature review methods. Krueckeberg Doctoral Conference, Rutgers University.

Open-Source Scholarly Artifacts

Levesque, H. (2025). AI Assisted Analysis Tool (v1.2-beta). Zenodo and GitHub.
Levesque, H. (2024). Raspberry Pi Data Collection Tool (v0.0.2-alpha). Zenodo and GitHub.
Levesque, H. (2025). Urban Asset Library. Zenodo and GitHub.

Patents

Bowen, J. A., Vanderwall, C. A., Cooley, C. K., & Levesque, H. (2023). Adaptable toilet systems and methods. U.S. Patent.
Bowen, J. A., Vanderwall, C. A., Lozano Robledo, A., & Levesque, H. (2022). Transformable seat systems and methods for an interior cabin of an aircraft. U.S. Patent.

Let's Connect

I'm interested in discussing research collaborations, teaching opportunities, and projects at the intersection of design, technology, and accessibility.

Email levesqhl@mail.uc.edu
Location Cincinnati, Ohio