Erik Asia
Industrial Designer | Educator| STEAM Advocate
Designing tactile experiences that bridge the gap between the body and mind through designed objects.
I create tools for tactile interaction and learning in STEAM, ergonomic comfort, and sensory communication.
SELECTED DESIGN WORKS
STEAM + DESIGN EDUCATION
S - Science
T - Technology
E - Engineering
A - Arts (Applied)
M - Mathematics
My practice and teaching explore how tactile engagement and physical interaction enhance learning in STEAM disciplines. Through industrial design studios, custom educational kits, and public interactive installations, I create opportunities for hands-on inquiry, curiosity, and accessible learning.
I design educational tools
Aside from the development and delivery of courses, I am also passionate about designing physical educational tools and products.
I designed a tabletop escape room that teaches DNA/RNA processes for Genome BC's educational outreach program. Classroom kits are now being used across British Columbia.
I designed a modular open-access multiplane animation stand that aims to bridge the gap of access for beginners to learn traditional animation techniques. The design has since been reproduced for educational workshops in Canada, Spain, and Germany.
I design classroom activities
I have designed projects and activities for classroom instruction with an emphasis on referencing everyday items and the world around us together with hands-on methods of learning.
I teach classrooms
I have developed and developed courses for undergraduate level design and science courses as well as teen summer camps.
Undergraduate Courses
- Design Thinking
- Freehand Sketching
- Technical Drafting
- Ergonomics Assessment
- Usability Testing
- Graphic Design
- Storyboarding + User Journeys
- Digital Fabrication
- Wood Working
- Data Visualization
- Rapid Prototyping
Teens Art + Design Workshops
- Design Thinking
- Freehand Sketching
- Basic Model Making
- Basic Graphic Design
- Arylic Painting
- Storyboarding
LATEST PROJECTS
Adaptable and Responsive: Community Safety Gear
IN PROGRESS: Leading a Material Matters Lab research team on designing modular wearable uniform accessories suitable for on-demand, local production for UBC's Community Safety team.
Tactile Storytelling: Co-Developing 3D Artefacts for Experiential Learning at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Was a project coordinator for an NSERC applied research project in collaboration with Capilano Suspension Bridge Park exploring how tactile, digitally fabricated sculptures can make interpretive storytelling in an outdoor tourism setting more interactive, accessible, and engaging for visitors of all ages.
© 2026 Erik Asia