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PhD Research Portfolio · Korina (Yoo-Kyung) Han

Research at the intersection of AI systems, enterprise UX, and human-centered design.

Three core research chapters — reframed from 22 years of industry practice into academic inquiry, methodology, and design knowledge.

"My research explores AI-driven experience systems in enterprise ecosystems, focusing on human-centered transformation, ethics, and scalable design intelligence."


Chapters

3 Research Chapters

A
Chapter One · Enterprise AIAT&T · DirecTV · E2E DQ

AI-Driven Enterprise Experience Systems

Research Question: How can AI-driven design systems transform the user experience of enterprise-scale platforms without sacrificing coherence, trust, or accessibility across diverse user groups?

Core Insight: Enterprise AI adoption fails when systems optimize for efficiency over legibility. Users need explainable AI outputs, progressive disclosure, and trust scaffolding — not raw automation.

Output: AI-assisted UX framework with modular design tokens, conversational UI patterns, and a governance model for AI-driven interface decisions at enterprise scale.

open_in_newAT&T Case Study open_in_newDirecTV Case Study
B
Chapter Two · High-Stakes SystemsNorthrop · SADA

Human-Centered Design in High-Stakes Systems

Research Question: How do cognitive load, trust, and decision-making dynamics shift when AI-assisted design interfaces are deployed in mission-critical infrastructure?

Core Insight: Trust in AI recommendations is fragile and asymmetric — users accept AI guidance slowly but lose confidence rapidly after one failure. Design must account for cognitive recovery, not just task completion.

Output: Decision-support interface patterns for AI-assisted tooling — uncertainty communication, human override affordances, and cognitive load distribution across complex workflows.

C
Chapter Three · Design LeadershipGuide Studio · Frameworks

Design Methodology for Scalable AI UX

Research Question: What design governance frameworks enable large organizations to build scalable, ethically grounded AI UX systems — and how do those frameworks transfer across industries?

Core Insight: Scalable AI UX requires design governance at the organizational level — decision protocols, token systems, pattern libraries, and embedded ethical review — before any single product can succeed sustainably.

Output: Design governance playbook, AI UX pattern library, and reusable design token system transferable across organizations embedding AI into product workflows.


Topics

10 Research Topics → 3 PhD Directions

#Research TopicDescriptionDir.
01AI and Spiritual Well-being DesignUX design for spiritual healing supported by AI — space for the sacred, contemplative, and restorative.A
02Ethical AI Design (Christian)AI ethics framework grounded in Christian values — human dignity, stewardship, neighbor-love.B
03Human-Centered AI for HealingUX systems supporting trauma recovery — designed with safety, trust, and compassion.A
04Faith-based Design FrameworkDesign framework translating theological concepts of care and covenant into methodology.C
05AI Companions for PrayerAI systems for prayer support and mental health — design ethics, trust dynamics, efficacy.A
06Digital Spiritual FormationPlatforms for long-term spiritual growth — UX supporting ongoing practice and community.A
07Trust & Ethics in AI UXTransparency, explainability, accountability in AI interfaces at enterprise scale.B
08Compassion-Centered AIAI responding to human vulnerability with care over efficiency.B
09Human Dignity in AI DesignFrameworks protecting personhood and upholding the irreducible worth of every user.B
10Design Leadership in AI EraHow design directors govern and guide ethical AI products at scale.C

Pub

Academic Publication

2012 MS Thesis

Cognitive Design Principles: Guiding Children to a Safer New-Media Experience

Korina (Yoo-Kyung) Han · ProQuest Dissertations & Theses · December 2012 · ID: 1521427

"This research proposes that teaching children about the tools, processes, and production of television shows and online games may mitigate violent behavior. 'Online mentor guides' — AI software agents — may foster children's inherent visual intelligence."

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