ERIK ASIA

Industrial Designer + Educator based in Vancouver, Canada.

Hello, I’m Erik Asia.

Industrial Designer & Educator who designs tactile experiences, bridging the gap between the mind and body through designed objects.

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About Me

I specialize in the intersection of cognitive ergonomics and digital fabrication. My practice is rooted in embodied cognition—the idea that we think and learn better when we engage our hands as much as our minds.

Whether I’m developing versatile tools for the classroom or leading research on interactive storytelling in public spaces, my goal is to create objects that invite curiosity. By turning abstract information into tangible, immersive experiences, I help make learning accessible and deeply engaging for the community.

I have worked with…

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.png
Shumka Centre.png
Genome BC.png
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Emily Carr.png
UP CFA Fablab.png

Featured Projects

Featured
Tactile Storytelling: Co-Developing 3D Artefacts for Experiential Learning at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Tactile Storytelling: Co-Developing 3D Artefacts for Experiential Learning at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

A research collaboration developing tactile 3D-printed sculptures to enhance accessible storytelling and visitor engagement across Capilano Suspension Bridge Park’s natural landscape.

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Transcribe to Survive: Educational Tabletop Escape Room Teaching High School Life Sciences
Transcribe to Survive: Educational Tabletop Escape Room Teaching High School Life Sciences

A collaborative project with Genome BC’s Geneskool educational outreach program that aims to help teach high school students DNA/RNA processes through an engaging tabletop escape room game.

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Nimble Animation Stand: An Open-access Portable Multiplane Animation Stand.
Nimble Animation Stand: An Open-access Portable Multiplane Animation Stand.

A design research project with the Animate Materials Workshop at Emily Carr University that aimed to design and fabricate a portable multiplane animation stand for artists with any level of animation experience.

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See All Projects
See All Projects

(2023-Present)

Emily Carr University of Art + Design

Approach in the Classroom

My work in the classroom explores the intersection of embodied learning and industrial design. As an instructor, I teach undergraduate studio and critical studies courses on industrial design project development, freehand drawing and drafting methods, and ergonomics—focusing on how tactile engagement enhances the learning process.

Teaching Philosophy
Teaching Philosophy

My Teaching Journey

I have always advocated for education and learning, instilled by deep family values on education growing up. I started my design teaching journey as a Teaching Fellow at Emily Carr in 2023. Following this, I became a Sessional Instructor after graduating from my Master’s in 2024 and continue to foster an engaging and memorable learning classroom and studio environment.

Teaching Experience

  • Spring 2026 |INDD 315: Human Fit: Applied Ergonomics
    Undergraduate Studies – 13 students

  • Spring 2026 | SCIE 217: Ergonomics
    Undergraduate Studies – 13 students

  • Fall 2025 | INDD 203: Freehand Drawing & Drafting
    Undergraduate Studies – 56 students

  • Summer 2025 | CSJA 126: Design for the Future
    Continuing Studies (Teens) – 5 students

  • Spring 2025 | INDD 315: Human Fit: Applied Ergonomics
    Undergraduate Studies – 14 students

  • Spring 2025 | SCIE 217: Ergonomics
    Undergraduate Studies – 18 students

  • Fall 2024 | INDD 203: Freehand Drawing & Drafting
    Undergraduate Studies – 34 students

  • Fall 2024 | INDD 200: 2nd Year Core Studio Industrial Design
    Undergraduate Studies – 21 students

  • Fall 2023 | INDD 200: 2nd Year Core Studio Industrial Design
    (Teaching Fellowship)
    Undergraduate Studies – 19 students, Co-taught with Keith Doyle

Courses Delivered