Yijun Liu

Areas of expertise

• Product and Service Design

Background

Yijun Liu is a PhD researcher at Cranfield University specialising in the integration of advanced materials and health-monitoring technologies into wearable jewellery. With a background in contemporary jewellery design (Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp) and luxury innovation (Creative Academy Milan), her work explores the intersection of cultural heritage, material science, wearable technology, and design-led innovation.

Her practice-led research investigates how wearable artefacts can simultaneously function as aesthetic expressions and tools for wellbeing and health monitoring. Prior to joining Cranfield, Yijun held professional roles at Montblanc Paris and Chow Tai Fook, and served as a lecturer in China, combining academic delivery with international research collaboration.

Research opportunities

· Wearable technology and sensor integration in jewellery

· Biocompatible materials for health-focused wearables

· Material innovation in design for wellbeing

· Cross-cultural design and intangible cultural heritage

· Interdisciplinary practice linking craft, engineering, and digital health

· Design research methods in applied material science