Dr Feiran Zhang is currently a Research Assistant Professor at the School of Design at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Previously, Dr Zhang was an ERCIM fellow and postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Computer Science at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and before that, Dr Zhang worked as a postdoctoral and PhD researcher at the Department of Industrial Design at the Eindhoven University of Technology.

Dr Zhang focuses on conducting design research to build a bridge between the user, technology, and innovative solutions. She investigates how human-centered design and emerging technologies can contribute to personal well-being (e.g., technology-enabled interventions for emotion awareness and regulation) and learning experiences. Her current research interests include child-AI interaction, human-AI collaboration, and affective technologies, with an emphasis on developing technologies that support children’s agency and meaningful engagement in learning. Her collaborative spirit has led to fruitful partnerships with designers, educational practitioners, and researchers, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and expertise.

She serves as Associate Editor of the International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction and Behaviour & Information Technology, where she also serves as Social Media Editor. She actively contributes to the academic community through peer review for leading journals and conferences, including International Journal of Social Robotics, Computers & Education, Educational Research Review, and ACM Interaction Design and Children (IDC). 

Dr Zhang welcomes applications from outstanding PhD students and postdoctoral researchers interested in exploring design-based learning and technology-enabled interventions for emotions. Prospective candidates are encouraged to explore funding opportunities such as PolyU postgraduate fellowships and RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme and to contact her directly via email to discuss potential collaborations.

• PhD in Industrial Design, Eindhoven University of Technology
• Master in Industrial Design Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University
• Bachelor of Art Design, Beijing Jiaotong University

• Design Process and Co-creation
• Design Research Methodologies
• Designing for Emotions
• Designing for Behaviour Change