Research

I investigate how perception and cognition shape design problem-solving, with the aim of making tacit design knowledge explicit. My research develops theoretical frameworks and models that illuminate design processes and methodologies, informing their application across diverse contexts. Current inquiries investigate the cognitive foundations of design processes, examine methodological approaches to simplicity, and develop emerging principles of multimodal representation in design.

A cognitive pathway to simplicity links the design process and visual perception. A structured diagram has been developed to inform iterative stages—Awareness, Deduction, Circumscription, Resolution, & Applying Available Knowledge as Feedback—that collectively address and resolve complexity. The proposed framework is both descriptive and generative, broadly helping areas such as AI design evolve through human problem-solving (Kim, 2025, The International Journal of Visual Design).

Simplicity emerges at the intersection of structural clarity and contextual coherence, as demonstrated in a study on human perceptual dominance in representation. Findings from 282 participants reveal how viewers progress from intuitive associations to explicit meaning, with a consistent tendency toward thematic thinking reinforcing this principle (Kim & Fritsch, 2021, The International Journal of Visual Design).

A study on causation across spatial and temporal gaps shows that causative movement fosters coherence, while non-causative movement isolates attributes like direction or adjacency. These findings rely on causative logic as a foundational principle, supporting the construction of dynamic and integrative representations. (Kim, 2021, Proceedings of Illustration & Animation International Conference).

A study on visual attention reveals an inherent tendency among viewers. Viewers exhibit preferences based on common fate and angulation, showing structural or temporal belongingness that accelerates perceptual choices beyond baseline response times. These findings have potential applications in visual alert systems and interface design (Kim & Fritsch, 2019, Visible Language).

Extending the figure–ground concept to motion, synchrony with continuity operates as foreground movement, drawing heightened attention. Yet even slight variations can shift audience perception in unexpected ways, underscoring the limits of predictability in interpretation (Kim & Fritsch, 2017, Proceedings of the Motion Design Education Summit International Conference).

What happens when 2D visual contrast principles are applied to 4D motion contrast over time? This research introduces a five-stage process model linking 2D with 4D. Progressing from identification and translation to analogy and execution, the model demonstrates how perception transforms into dynamic meaning, providing a methodological framework for dynamic representations (Kim, 2016, Proceedings of Illustration & Animation International Conference).

This research investigates the ABA form in motion over time, showing how repeated statements with intervening variations generate cohesive perceptual patterns. It distills these insights into codified knowledge for animation as a broad, integrative practice. (Kim, 2011, Proceedings of European Academy of Design, Endless End International Conference).

This research examines how form, color, and speed compete in motion perception. Twenty-five rotating squares, including nine oblongs forming a ‘T’ moving at a different speed, serve as the test case. The study asks which principle—speed, color, or form—dominates in perceiving complex patterns. What do you see in the motion? (Kim, 2009, Proceedings of Computational Aesthetics in Graphics, Visualization, and Imaging International Symposium).

Refereed Works: Publications and Presentations
Kim, J. (2025). Integrating visual perception and design process: Cognitive pathways to simplicity in problem-solving. The International Journal of Visual Design. 20(1), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-1581/CGP/v20i01/1-26

Kim, J. (2025). Crafting visual hierarchy for achieving simplicity in visual communication. [Conference Paper Abstract]. Design Principles & Practices International Conference, LaSalle College of the Arts, Singapore. February 25-27, 2025.

Kim, J. (2025). Creative approaches to the common good. In P. Cappucci, C. Connelly, M. Gross, & C. Stevenson (Eds.), The enduring spirit of mercy at Georgian Court University: Stories of the past to shape our future (pp. 115–125). Georgian Court University.

Kim, J. (2023). Exploring closure in time: What can Gestalt Closure be in narratives on screen? [Conference Poster Abstract]. Design Principles & Practices International Conference, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal, March 29-31, 2023.

Kim, J. (2022). Extending symmetry to include time to characterize motion symmetry on screen. [Conference Poster Abstract]. Design Principles & Practices International Conference, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia, January 19-21.

Kim, J. & Fritsch, M. (2021). Semantic sense as simplicity for design representation, The International Journal of Visual Design. 15(2), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-1581/CGP/V15I02/1-23

Kim, J. (2021). Causation in time as a method to create a semantic whole: motion good-continuation revisited. The Proceedings of Illustration & Animation International Conference, Aveiro, Portugal, October 28-29, 2021. 512-520. ISBN: 978-989-54939-6-8

Kim, J. & Fritsch, M. (2019). For visual attention, are there any tendencies in form interpretation? Visible Language.52(3), 100–111. https://doi.org/10.34314/VL.V53I2.4650

Kim, J. & Fritsch, M. (2018). Visual dominance patterns based on group collective reactions [Conference Poster Abstract]. Design Computing & Cognition International Conference, Polytechnic University of Milan, Lake Como, Italy, July 2~4.

Kim, J. & Fritsch, M. (2017). New visual motion-perception findings and a paradox: “what is going on? The Proceedings of Motion Design Education Submit International Conference, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, June 7-9, 2017. 43-49.

Kim, J. & Fritsch, M. (2016). Gestalt attention for complex, abstract situations: visual dominance for interaction and interface design [Conference Poster Abstract]. Design Computing & Cognition International Conference, Northwestern University, Evanston/ Chicago, USA, June 27-28.

Kim, J. (2016). The combination of needs and resources: process model of translation from 2D image to 4D motion. The Proceedings of Illustration & Animation International Conference, Barcelos, Portugal, June 10-12, 2016. 301-309. ISBN: 978-989-99465-6-9

Kim, J. & Thornton, D. (2013). Avatar creator, visual learning & game-based pedagogy [Conference Poster Abstract]. The National University & College Designers Association Design Education Submit, The Sheraton Read House, Chattanooga, Tennessee, May 20-21.

Kim. J. (2012). What analytical or logical attributes cause a shift in the meaning of perceived motion on the screen? The Proceedings of Illustration and Animation International Conference,IPCA Polytechnic Institute of Cavado and Ave, Portugal, November 30–December 1, 2012. 27-36. ISBN: 978-989-97567-6-2

Kim, J. & Skinner, J. (2012). Developing innovative tourism map for civil rights and heritage trial in Anniston, Alabama: University–community partnership, creative design and technology [Conference Poster Abstract]. The National University & College Designers Association Design Education Submit, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA, May 21-22.

Kim. J. (2011). Typographic elements and principles in time: applying motion proximity and motion common-fate to identify legibility and aba form in motion. The Proceedings of European Academy of Design, Endless End, International Conference, University of Porto, School of Fine Arts, Porto, Portugal, May 4-7, 2011. 374-387.

Kim, J. (2009). Speed vs. Color vs. Form. The Proceedings of Computational Aesthetics in Graphics, Visualization, and Imaging International Symposium, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, May 28-30, 2009. 154.

Kim, J. (2007). Conceptual framework to investigate perceptual dominance regarding motion closure for screen design. The Proceedings of the International Association of Societies of Design Research International Conference, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR. November 12-15, 2007. 1-16.

Kim, J. (2007). Motion Gestalt for screen design: Applied theory of grouping principles for visual motion integrity (Doctoral dissertation, Illinois Institute of Technology, Institute of Design).
http://motiongestalt.com/

Kim, J. & Poggenpohl, S. (2005). Translating and extending two gestalt grouping principles to include time to characterize visual motion on screen: good-continuation and closure. The Proceedings of Human Computer Interaction International Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. July 22-27, 2005. 1-5.

Kim, J. & Poggenpohl, S. (2004). Translating and extending gestalt grouping principles to include time to establish a research framework in which to study motion. The Proceedings of the Design Research Society International Conference, FutureGround, Melbourne, Australia. November 17-21, 2004. 122-140. DOI:10.21606/drs.2004.192

Shaping theoretical ideas into meaningful, human experiences for practice. My work bridges theory and practice, developing methodologies grounded in perception and cognition.