Design, Perception & Meaning
I give lectures and talks exploring how design shapes the way we see, think, feel and behave.
My work sits at the intersection of design theory, visual perception and psychology — looking at how meaning is created, how we interpret the visual world around us, and why design has a much deeper influence on our everyday experience than we often realise.
The talks are designed for schools and universities, companies, professionals, conferences and other organisations.
Paivi Vehkala-Zwahlen
Assistant Head, Prague British School
Emma delivered a lecture on marketing and design for students at Prague British School. Despite working with a demanding teenage audience, she managed to engage them and give them a clear, practical understanding of how marketing works in the real world, both in the Czech Republic and internationally. Her approach was engaging, accessible and grounded in real professional experience.”
What I Speak About
Understanding visual perception isn't relevant only to designers. It helps us understand how people make sense of the world.
My talks can be adapted to different audiences, from students and creative professionals to corporate teams and general audiences.
Typical topics include:
The Psychology of Visual Perception
How our brains interpret what we see — and how colour, form, composition, contrast and context influence perception, emotion and behaviour.
Design and Meaning
Why design is never purely visual. How objects, images, spaces and communication carry meaning — intentionally or unintentionally.
How Design Shapes Behaviour
How the environments, interfaces and visual systems around us influence the choices we make and the way we experience the world.
Design Theory in Practice
Key ideas from design history and theory translated into contemporary examples and everyday experience.
Visual Culture & the World Around Us
How advertising, brands, media, architecture and everyday visual communication shape our understanding of what is normal, desirable or valuable.
For Different Audiences
Schools & Universities
Lectures introducing students to design theory, visual communication, perception and the psychology behind design.
Sessions can be adapted for secondary-school, undergraduate and postgraduate audiences.
Companies & Professional Teams
Talks exploring how perception, meaning and visual communication influence customers, organisations and everyday decision-making.
Suitable for marketing, communication, leadership, creative and interdisciplinary teams.
Conferences & Events
Standalone talks designed around the theme and audience of the event.
Topics can range from design psychology and visual perception to communication, creativity and the role design plays in shaping human experience.
My Approach.
My background combines communication design, marketing, international professional experience and more than a decade of educational work.
I studied Art & Design at RMIT University in Australia and Communication Design at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK, and have worked professionally in communication and design in the Czech Republic, Australia and the UK.
I am particularly interested in one question:
How does what we see influence what we think, feel and ultimately do?
My lectures use visual examples, stories and practical situations to make theoretical concepts understandable, memorable and relevant.
Looking for a lecture, conference talk or session for your students, team or organisation?
Talks can be tailored to your audience, context and preferred length.
Get in touch to discuss a topic →