MinYoung Yoo

My research explores how interactive technologies can be co-created to support situated lived experiences of marginalized groups and to surface alternative perspectives that are often overlooked in design.

 

Currently, my doctoral research project involves co-speculating sound-based reminiscence and memory technologies with people with blindness. This work has continued from my master's project, working closely with some of the original participants for more than 7 years. Closing this long-term engagement, I am interested in navigating the "endings" of the research process — how knowledge, prototypes, and relationships can be meaningfully closed or maintained. 

​

Beyond my primary research, I co-developed and proposed the concept of Alternative Research Outcomes (AROs), seeking ways to expand academic knowledge in "alternative forms" beyond written publication (e.g., documentary, audio, podcast, zines, exhibition, etc.) to reach broader audiences, including research participants, involved communities and the general public. 

​

Before my PhD, I earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Waterloo and gained extensive industry experience as a software engineer interships at IT industry, including Microsoft, IBM, and SAP, which enabled me to bridge complex software system architecture and algorithms with creative, reciprocal design to produce high-fidelity, robust research artifacts.

My research interests include Research through Design, Interaction Design, Participatory Design, Co-Design, Speculative Design, and Slow Technology.