Joshua Wilwohl
Assistant Professor
American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP)
Joshua Wilwohl is an assistant professor at the American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP) in Cambodia. His courses and research explore how identity forms at the intersection of art, language, and technology. He’s studied the influence of word choice on consumer behavior, and he’s applied the results to shape digital products. His work in the U.S., U.K., and Cambodia includes a patented navigation system that helps improve people’s experience with cars. Before joining AUPP, he was on faculty at a university in New York City, and he was a project manager who oversaw software development. Wilwohl is a doctoral student, specializing in English pedagogy, with a stack of communication degrees: PgD, MA, MPA, and BA. His current research investigates English variations in Cambodia.
Language Matters: The Value of Words in Design
The way we use words shapes our perception of the world and the way we think. During this workshop, you’ll explore the relationship between writing and design—with an emphasis on human-centered approaches. Studies show that improving our writing can improve our thinking. With this in mind, you’ll uncover the concept of writing as a design process, discovering the functions, structures, and behaviors that are common between the two subjects. We’ll also discuss AI’s role. While the new technology can generate content fast and simplify tasks, it often lacks the nuances that human language offers, having designs fall short in terms of performance. This is because AI and humans use language differently. The value of design—from brief to final product—relies on unique and engaging language, and that begins with you.
