Educational Product Designer & STEAM Educator
I am a Filipino industrial designer and educator working at the intersection of tangible design, digital fabrication, and STEAM learning. My practice explores how physical objects and tactile interactions make hands-on learning intuitive and accessible.
I design educational tools, modular workshop kits, and interactive storytelling artefacts in public spaces that translate complex concepts into tangible discovery. Informed by active classroom experience, I guide learners through project-based prototyping and innovation.
Send an email at hello@erikasia.com
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2026 - ONGOING
Design Research Lead - Material Matters Lab & Shumka Centre (ECUAD Research Labs), Vancouver
- Led the design and development of modular wearable uniform accessories for UBC Community Safety staff, establishing rapid prototyping and digital manufacturing protocols for on-demand local production.
- Directed a multidisciplinary team to translate visual and text information into 15 tactile, 3D-printed interactive sculptures tailored for high-touch public outdoor environments at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
2024 - 2026
Sessional Instructor - Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Vancouver
- Developed and delivered hands-on industrial design and science courses materials focused on physical ergonomics, human factors, usability testing, product sketching, technical drafting, and design development.
2025
Continuing Studies Instructor (Teens) - Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Vancouver
- Developed and instructed the Junior Arts Institute (JAI) Summer course for teens aged 13-15 titled “Design for the Future” which provided young creatives a space for design exploration, experimentation, and creative problem solving, bringing their ideas into the real world.
2025
Educational Product Designer - Genome British Columbia, Vancouver
- Designed and fabricated an interactive, tabletop educational kit, converting complex Grade 11 - 12 scientific concepts into intuitive 2D and 3D physical touchpoints, using FDM 3D printing and CNC laser cutting to produce custom mechanical components durable for heavy use and authored comprehensive assembly and instructional guides.
2024 - ONGOING
High School STEM Research Capstone Consultant - JVY National High School, Philippines
- Reviewed grade 12 capstone research proposals and provided one-on-one guidance and technical recommendations for design and fabrication.
2023
Industrial Designer - Animate Materials Workshop, Vancouver
- Designed, prototyped, and deployed a portable, modular multiplane animation stand fabricated via CNC laser cutting for educational workshops; optimized mechanical joinery and structural stability and generated production-ready vector artwork in Adobe Illustrator.
2020 - 2021
Industrial / Communication Designer - Rebirth PH, Philippines
- Designed a concept for a portable, reconfigurable medical apparatus (James Dyson Award National Winner) for resource- constrained clinical environments; conducted clinical user research, ergonomic evaluations, and rapid prototyping with healthcare professionals while delivering technical documentation for startup incubation.
2024
Master of Design (Interaction) - Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Thesis: The In Between (Cognitive Ergonomics Evaluation in Public Spaces: A Cultural-Affordance-Based Approach)
2022
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Industrial Design) - University of the Philippines Diliman
Graduated Magna Cum Laude