Visual storytelling research from UCB shines at LABRC conference | News

June 2026

University lecturer showcases research on visual storytelling at LABRC 2026

By Claire Huggins

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Main image and carousel photos appear with kind permission of Arwen Zheng.

University College Birmingham (UCB) is celebrating the work of Arwen Zheng, lecturer in Graphic Design, who was recently invited to present her research at the London Arts-Based Research Centre (LABRC) conference ‘The Art of Storytelling’.

The transdisciplinary event brought together academics, practitioners and creative researchers to explore the question of “what truly constitutes a story?”, and the types, functions and significance of storytelling.

Her presentation ‘From Character to Story: Chinese characters as visual language and narrative form’, drew on her practice based PhD and ongoing research into visual storytelling, graphic narrative and the power of images to communicate complex ideas across cultures and languages. This work sits at the heart of contemporary graphic design practice and reflects the type of research informed teaching students experience at the University.

“My work sits across graphic design, illustration, drawing research, and visual storytelling,” she said.

“I am interested in how visual language can support storytelling, not only as an artistic or illustrative method, but also as a way of thinking, researching, and communicating.

“My PhD work explores how drawing and visual narrative can communicate complex ideas, emotions and lived experiences, beyond written language alone.”

Strengthening research informed teaching at University College Birmingham

Arwen emphasised how the conference will directly enhance the learning experience for students on our Graphic Design BA (Hons)/FdA course.

Arwen Zheng

“Storytelling, narrative structure, audience engagement, visual communication, and image-text relationships are all highly relevant to graphic design students,” explained Arwen.

“This is especially relevant when they are developing campaigns, editorial work, illustration, branding, sequential design, or concept-led visual outcomes.”

She also drew inspiration from other presenters, with work on immersive teaching and VR supported storytelling proving particularly valuable as areas increasingly shaping the future of creative education.

“I want students to understand that graphic design is not only about the professional skillset of producing visually polished outcomes, but also about soft skills such as developing ideas, communicating meaning, engaging audiences, and using visual language thoughtfully and critically,” she added.

"We are incredibly proud to see colleagues like Arwen representing the University on national academic stages. Her research into visual storytelling exemplifies the strength of our creative community and the value of research informed teaching"

Chelsey Mallett Head of Department for Creative Industries

Sharing research with a wider academic community

The conference theme aligned closely with Arwen’s research interests, providing a platform to place her PhD work into wider academic and creative conversations.

“Being asked to present at the conference was an important step in developing my academic profile and a valuable opportunity to represent UCB within an external academic and creative research community,” Arwen concludes.

“Being involved in the conference has encouraged me to strengthen the relationship between my research, creative practice, and teaching. It’s also given me the chance to reflect on how storytelling functions not only within academic research, but also within design education and student learning.”

UCB at the heart of Birmingham’s creative growth

With Birmingham experiencing significant creative investment, including the reported £282m that the BBC’s investment is set to bring to the West Midlands by 2031, University College Birmingham continues to play a central role in shaping the region’s creative talent pipeline.

Our recent sponsorship of the Culture Changers opening event at the Birmingham Design Festival (BDF) reflects this commitment. As Trevor Brown, Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design, noted:

“Events like this connect students with Birmingham’s creative community and cultural landscape, helping them feel connected to the professional creative network around them, and encouraging them to see Birmingham as a place where they can build successful creative careers.”

Chelsey Mallett, Head of Department for Creative Industries added:

“We are incredibly proud to see colleagues like Arwen representing the University on national academic stages. Her research into visual storytelling exemplifies the strength of our creative community and the value of research informed teaching.

“Opportunities like LABRC and the BDF not only elevate our institutional profile but directly enrich the learning experience of our students.”

Find out more about our Graphic Design BA (Hons)/FdA course.