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Syed Andrabi

Dr. Doctor of Design | SFHEA | MIoL, Mr.

  • Nether Road

    TD1 3HF Galasheils

    United Kingdom

Accepting PhD Students

20132026

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Biography

Dr Syed Gowhar is a theorist and practitioner specialising in pictogram design. His career bridges conceptual inquiry with professional practice in the field. As a practitioner, he integrates design strategy with creative execution, producing work that is both innovative and communicative. His expertise encompasses design strategy, curation, and the development of visual communication tools that simplify complex ideas, empowering audiences to navigate information-rich environments with confidence. With over two decades of experience, he has collaborated with leading design studios and branding agencies across the UK, India, and the MENA region.

In his capacity as Global Programme Director of Communication Design and Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University, Syed draws on his extensive industry background to deliver lectures, workshops, and demonstrations across a wide range of subjects, including immersive environments, branding, motion graphics, advertising, icon communication, design thinking, UX/UI, and data visualisation. This breadth enables him to situate design practice within broader social and technological contexts and to prepare students to address contemporary challenges through a multidisciplinary perspective.

Roles & Responsibilities

Global Programme Director Communication Design: 
As the Global Programme Director of Communication Design, Syed oversees the programme’s strategic development and academic direction. He ensures the curriculum remains innovative and relevant, preparing students for the evolving demands of the design industry.

Research interests

Syed’s research focuses on nonverbal iconic communication. He examines the relationship between pictograms, including digital pictograms such as emojis, and the representation of abstract concepts, critically exploring how visual systems influence meaning-making and cultural interpretation. As the creator of PCSoRT (Pictogram Communication System of Religious Tolerance), he has developed a visual system designed to promote religious tolerance on social networking sites, demonstrating the practical application of his research in global and digital environments.

Key Research Words/Phrases

# Pictogram Languages, # Pictogram Communication System, # Religious Intolerance, # Religious Peacemaking, # Social Networking Sites, # Shared Beliefs and Common Values, # Co-Creation, # Consensus-Based Design, # Pictogram Design

Keywords

  • N Visual arts (General) For photography, see TR
  • NE Print media

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  1. SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
    SDG 2 Zero Hunger
  2. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
  3. SDG 4 - Quality Education
    SDG 4 Quality Education
  4. SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

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