PhD grad designs technology to foster connection, healing for hospitalized children
With the support of ASU’s School of Arts, Media and Engineering and the T. Denny Sanford Harmony Institute, Yanjun Lyu (pictured) has combined her academic research with hands-on projects, developing therapeutic designs and systems that promote active peer relationships among children. Courtesy photo
Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2024 graduates.
During her studies while at Arizona State University, Yanjun Lyu focused on creating innovative tools that bring comfort and social connection to children and promote their social-emotional well-being.
With the support of ASU’s School of Arts, Media and Engineering and the T. Denny Sanford Harmony Institute, Lyu has combined her academic research with hands-on projects, developing therapeutic designs and systems that promote active peer relationships among children. Lyu, along with her colleagues at the Harmony Institute, is developing “CareBall,” a soft robotic device designed as part of the institute’s initiatives to foster cooperative play in school and medical environments.
"Social play can be very challenging for these children, especially in such a strict medical setting," Lyu said. "Our goal is to give them a fun, relaxing moment where they can express themselves and even make friends using these technologically supported instruments."
The Harmony Institute has been instrumental in Lyu’s journey, providing an environment where she can apply scientific research to create supportive experiences that aid children’s social and emotional development.
Working with a multidisciplinary team at the institute, Lyu reflects on how her studies have allowed her to merge creative design with practical impact.
“The resources and collaborative research environment at ASU have been crucial in helping me bring ideas like CareBall to life.”
“SensaSea,” one of Lyu’s earlier projects, inspired her to explore the field of designing interactive experiences and instruments for children. It is a room-sized projection play area that uses sensory-rich technology to guide young children in the basics of social skills through a series of avatars and multimodal cues, such as animated creatures, sound and haptic feedback. The installation features haptic vests and virtual avatars, encouraging children to mimic each other’s actions and collaborate toward shared goals.
"Through SensaSea, I saw firsthand how technology can be a powerful tool for helping children initiate friendships and communicate with each other," Lyu said. "Seeing the kids engage with each other in these ways really motivated me to dig deeper into designing therapeutic technology for children."
For Lyu, this work represents more than just research — it’s a mission to bridge the gap between medical needs and social development, offering comfort and connection to children in difficult environments.
“By designing these interactive experiences, I hope to give children the chance to feel connected and supported, even in places where they’re surrounded by medical procedures and isolation.”
With her research, Lyu exemplifies the type of innovative, socially driven work championed by ASU, the School of Arts Media and Engineering and the T. Denny Sanford Harmony Institute, underscoring how technology can support not just development, but also the deep need for connection in health care and school settings.
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: My aha moment came when I realized the potential of designing products or interventions to solve real problems and help groups facing specific challenges. That moment solidified my drive to make a difference through design.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: I chose ASU because it's a research-based university, which aligns with my goal of becoming a researcher. ASU is also very open to students from different backgrounds and cultures, which I found incredibly welcoming. Additionally, the proximity to my home made it a practical choice.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Professor Lauren Hayes played a crucial role in my PhD journey, especially in guiding me toward research-based methods for design projects. She taught me to approach design with a scientific mindset, which has been transformative.
Professor Sha Xin Wei, my supervisor, was also instrumental. Coming from a non-computer science background, I found programming challenging, but he supported me through those hurdles and encouraged me to explore interdisciplinary fields.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Collaboration is essential. The future is interdisciplinary, so working in isolation isn’t feasible. Expanding your boundaries by collaborating with engineers, researchers and designers can broaden your skills. Networking is key, the job I found was through a connection in children's psychology, who introduced me to her professors. So, communicate openly — it can expand your career opportunities and knowledge.
Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
A: I really enjoyed playing squash at the Sun Devil Fitness Complex. Though I’m a beginner, I loved the challenge. Besides squash, exploring restaurants was a favorite pastime — I’m definitely a food lover, and it helped me unwind outside of work.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I'm currently working as a researcher at the Harmony Institute. My ultimate goal is to secure a faculty position in media arts and sciences, focusing on designing technology-supported interventions for children ages 3 to 12. To achieve that, I may pursue a postdoc to build my publication record.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: If I had $40 million, I'd use it to build a startup focused on designing technologically supported interventions for children, particularly those in long-term hospitalization. It’s my dream to create tools that bring comfort and support to children in need.
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