Dr. Valeria López Torres is an assistant professor of graphic & experience design in the College of Design at North Carolina State University. As part of our spotlight on new faculty, we are excited to highlight her expertise in AI, interaction design, and UX/UI, showcasing the interdisciplinary approach she brings to design education and research.
Q1: Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to join the College of Design at NC State?
I’m originally from Mexico City, but I lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for 12 years. I moved there to pursue graduate studies and earned both my master’s and Ph.D. in design. My journey into design was a bit unexpected. I started with a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies and worked in radio for several years. Initially, I thought journalism would be my career, but when I began designing magazine layouts, I discovered a passion for visual communication. Over time, I transitioned into graphic design and eventually pursued a more formal design education. When I found a faculty position at NC State, I was thrilled to join a community that values interdisciplinary approaches to design.
Q2: What attracted you to design as a discipline, and how has that passion evolved?
As a child, I loved creating—whether it was designing my neighborhood newsletter or experimenting with early design software. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those experiences planted the seeds for my future in graphic design. My passion for design truly evolved when I started exploring its cultural context and how it intersects with technology. I’ve always been curious about emerging technologies, and my work now focuses on how design can integrate tools like AI to address social challenges and enhance human experiences.
Q3: Are there any particular values or skills you emphasize in your classes?
One of the most important skills I teach is adaptability. Technology is constantly changing, and I want my students to develop the ability to learn and problem-solve on the fly. Creative problem-solving and improvisation are essential for designers, especially in a world where AI and automation are becoming more prominent. I also emphasize research skills and encourage my students to think critically about how they approach design challenges, ensuring their solutions are meaningful and user-centered.
Q4: Can you share a favorite project or piece of work that has influenced your journey?
Instead of a specific piece of work, I’d like to highlight an experience. For a decade, I worked with a nonprofit organization, Lean Sarcoma, which supports research and patients affected by rare cancers. During that time, I designed everything from event posters to user experience solutions for the community. It was an incredibly rewarding experience that reinforced the value of design in addressing real-world challenges. Another influential experience has been my research into how people form emotional connections with technology, particularly during the pandemic when isolation and loneliness were widespread.
Q5: Are you doing any research or scholarship outside of the classroom? If so, what does that look like?
Yes! One of my current projects is a collaboration with scientists and artists to create a pop-up exhibition at the Gregg Museum of Art & Design. The exhibition is inspired by the book Your Brain on Art and explores how aesthetic experiences positively impact mental and emotional well-being. We aim to show how art and design are scientifically proven to improve quality of life. Additionally, my research focuses on the intersection of design and non-human entities, exploring how we can move beyond human-centered approaches to create more inclusive and sustainable design solutions.
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