Dr. Karen Cheng

Professor

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Biography

Professor Karen Cheng is an accomplished author and educator in the field of Visual Communication Design. She authored the book 'Designing Type', a comprehensive guide to letter design published by Yale University Press, with the initial publication released in 2006. This work has been translated into multiple languages, including German, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Korean, and was recognized on the list of 'Top 50 Typography Books of the Last 50 Years' by the journal Visible Language. Cheng has a strong background in professional design, co-creating the award-winning Smart Bins, interactive waste receptacles that promote recycling and composting. She has collaborated with a University of Washington startup, EvoEco, to commercialize her innovations. Her research focuses on the collaboration between scientists and designers to enhance public interdisciplinary communication. Additionally, she organizes the Design Help Desk, a tutoring center for students, faculty, and staff needing assistance with visual design. Cheng co-authored a widely recognized guide on designing effective figures for scientific papers, contributing to the positive impact of visual design in scientific communication in the Information Design Journal. She holds a Master’s Degree in Design from the University of Cincinnati and an Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Penn State. Before joining the faculty at the University of Washington in 1997, she worked in Brand Management at Procter & Gamble Company.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

Chair of Visual Communication Design, involved in teaching, research, and curriculum development.

Courses

ART 257

Requirements for University of Washington

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:105
Overall
Required:105
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • English proficiency scores (for international students)
Specialization Notes

Standard Graduate School requirements for University of Washington apply to most departments listed unless specified otherwise by the program.