benjie wilhelm

Before joining the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, benjie wilhelm founded Singularity, a brand design and strategy agency.

Over a span of five years, he built the practice from the ground up and worked on projects for global brands such as Starbucks, Samsung and TEDx.

Wilhelm then became an instructor in the Fulton Schools in 2023. He served in a variety of mentorship capacities at ASU for capstone projects, a peer-to-peer program and for student workers.

Wilhelm is now looking to share his experience with more ASU students as he transitions to a full-time role as an assistant teaching professor in the graphic information technology program in The Polytechnic School, part of the Fulton Schools.

ASU’s culture of innovation inspired him to teach at the university.

“I am excited to explore the intersection of design and social change,” wilhelm says.

He will teach courses in graphic communication, digital publishing and professional portfolio design and presentation. Wilhelm says students can expect his classes to include aspects of creative problem-solving, self-reflection and analysis and deconstruction of systems.

He looks forward to helping students outside the classroom as well. Wilhelm plans to serve as a faculty advisor to resurrect the AIGA student organization on the ASU Polytechnic campus, using a fresh calendar of events and programs to interest and engage new and returning members.

He will also lead graduate students in an independent study program focused on product development that addresses social change.

“I continue my research into what I call ‘End User Violence,’ which seeks to analyze ways in which technology can be so egregiously designed as to result in situations that would constitute violence against its intended end users,” wilhelm says.

His accomplishments include serving as a keynote speaker at TEDxFaurotPark, presenting at the 2023 UCDA Design Education Summit: SAME/DIFFERENCE, and serving as a juror for The Big One, an annual AIGA Alaska design awards event.

Most recently, wilhelm launched a solo design and brand practice, rebels&riots, where he helps startups and nongovernmental organizations intent on making the world a better place disrupt their industries.

When he’s not talking brand design and strategy, wilhelm plays Yu-Gi-Oh competitively — a trading card game that blends deck building mechanics with chess-like strategies to best your opponent. 

Meet the newest faculty members of the Fulton Schools of Engineering here.

Written by Joy Gaeraths