Rojin VishkaieAssistant Professor
Human-Computer Interaction Researcher and Interaction Designer
Resume
My Education and Employment
My Education
2014
Doctor of Philosophy – Computational Media Design
Human-Computer Interaction: “SketchBoard: Conceptualizing Interactive Communication Media for the Design Review Process”
2009
Master of Science – Industrial Product Design
Industrial Product Design: “Anti-Whiplash Product: Reducing Whiplash Injuries in Car Accidents”
2008
Bachelor of Science – Industrial Design
Industrial Design: “Automotive Facelift: Mid-Generational Update of Car’s Styling”
My Employment
2017
Assistant Professor –
Teach course topics in human-computer interaction including theories and frameworks in human-computer interaction, usability and user experience evaluation methods, design thinking, information management, and emerging media design and development. Actively present juried and peer-reviewed creative endeavors and publish scholarly research in areas related to emerging media design and development, human-computer interaction, interaction design, and design thinking.
2017-2017
User Experience Researcher – Benevity, Inc.
Conducted usability research both online and in the field, and provided recommendations for improvement, and acted as a repository of research-based usability knowledge. I worked with project business representative and team members to test business requirement using heuristic and qualitative methods, as well as working with other members of the team to test proposed designs. I also liaised with other stakeholders in the company to facilitate knowledge transfer and continuously improve the products.
2016-2017
Associate Researcher – Human Computer Interaction Researcher - Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Lead various research projects within the area of human-computer interaction. I focused on conducting participatory design and ethnographic research to explore the role of informatics and new media in the lives of individuals from the most vulnerable sectors of society, including women and children immigrants.
2015-2016
Lecturer of Industrial Design – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Taught a number of studio and lecture courses at various levels in the program around industrial design, visual design thinking and I also introduced non-design students to user experience concepts. I was also responsible for designing lecture materials, arranging talks, and course management.
2014-2015
Postdoctoral Researcher – Interaction Designer and Researcher - Funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Supported the wider research team to understand interactions and experiences with a product designed for the 3rd world. I informed the research team of improvements to be made, including understanding of the users, and iterated design process.
2012-2017
HCI Researcher and Interaction Designer – Consultant
Perform user experience research and interaction design consulting for a variety of clients, such as a software corporation, online form builder and land surveying companies, an airline, and a local supermarket.
2010-2014
Design Research Assistant – University of Calgary
Worked on a number of projects ranging from police officer training and community education, to designing media technologies and games for embracing diversity in the communities across Canada. My duties included game design and implementation, digital photography, and empirical research.
2010-2014
Design Teaching Assistant – University of Calgary
Served as a teaching assistant to various graduate courses, including Computer Modeling of the Environment, GIS for Environmental Design, and Project Management for Planners.
2012-2012
Visiting Design Researcher – University of St. Andrews
Conducted research on ways in which visitors to the special collections could meaningfully interact with information. I performed a number of qualitative research activities including participatory design, interviews, observations, focus groups, storyboarding, creating wireframes and designing interfaces for a large augmented interactive digital display exhibit.
2005-2008
Industrial Designer – Internship
Conducted user research on the exterior and interior design of cars and trains. I designed products and visual graphics to present the outcome of the user studies.
Press
Comments Off on “Hey Emotion Communication Can You Be My Friend?”
“Hey Emotion Communication Can You Be My Friend?”
Abstract: Affective technology is increasingly becoming common in everyday life. To better understand how teachers perceive this technology in classrooms, and the role it can have in mediating the emotions of their students, we interviewed elementary (PreK-4) teachers. Our aim was to gain insights into how to design a child-emotion companion for the classroom that […]
Comments Off on VizEmo: Child Communication Technology for Learning Ambience
VizEmo: Child Communication Technology for Learning Ambience
Abstract: Current wearable technologies in the classroom do not properly support tracking children’s emotions with regards to their progress in learning. Interactive, learning ambience connected with wearables to track and visualize children’s emotion, is one approach that may allow for better communication of emotional state with teachers and peers alike. We introduce VizEmo by probing […]
Comments Off on HeartBit: Probing Children’s Cognitive Skills Using Digital Technology
HeartBit: Probing Children’s Cognitive Skills Using Digital Technology
Abstract: Biometric heart-rate information is increasingly proliferating through simple wearable technology. However, this technology presents a need for contextual information to guide interpreting physiological responses in lower and higher levels of cognitive abilities. In this paper, the author introduces HeartBit, a sensor-based intervention used for non-obtrusive heart-rate observation of elementary age children within the creative […]
Comments Off on Perceptions of Digital Tools and Creativity in the Classroom
Perceptions of Digital Tools and Creativity in the Classroom
Abstract: We explore how digital tools can support children’s creativity in classroom. In response to a growing need for tools to support children’s digital literacy, we take a step forward to explore digital tools to support children’s digital creativity. We draw insights from interviewing twelve K-6 teachers about their experience using digital tools in the […]
Comments Off on Can Wearable Technology Improve Children’s Creativity?
Can Wearable Technology Improve Children’s Creativity?
Abstract: In primary and high school settings across the world, wearable technologies are becoming more and more common. Augmented reality, is another increasingly common technology, which when combined with wearables, has the potential to benefit student learning in different settings. This combination can potentially be used to support problem-solving and creativity for children, a relatively […]
Comments Off on The Role of Wearable Technology in Children’s Creativity
The Role of Wearable Technology in Children’s Creativity
Abstract: In primary and high school settings across the world, wearable technologies are becoming more and more common. Augmented reality, is another increasingly common technology, which when combined with wearables, has the potential to benefit student learning in different settings. This combination can potentially be used to support problem-solving and creativity for children, a relatively […]
Comments Off on Women, Gender Equality, and Digital Technology
Women, Gender Equality, and Digital Technology
Abstract: We present an exploratory study which examines the subject of gender equality and women’s empowerment and their engagement in smart development, with a focus on ICT and wearable technologies, such as small-scale intelligent devices and interactive sensor elements. Although a growing body of academic research on this topic is increasing, there is a gap […]
Comments Off on Technologies for the Design Review Process
Technologies for the Design Review Process
Abstract: Design review is an overachieving work of the urban planning process. Pattern of user interaction is largely dictated by the urban planning technology rather than diversity and creativity of the users. Traditionally, urban planning technologies include substantial use of paper-based plans, maps, and text documents. Currently, urban planners rely on digital technologies, which lack […]
Comments Off on SketchBoard: Design and Evaluation of Interactive Tools for the Design Review Process
SketchBoard: Design and Evaluation of Interactive Tools for the Design Review Process
Abstract: This exploratory study seeks to investigate the subject of the design review process and its embedment in digital media, with a primary focus on mobile interactive surfaces. Despite the growing body of academic research on the topic, there is a gap in evaluating how aspects of the design review process can be performed with […]
Comments Off on The Leaps Between Moments of Low and High Creativity
The Leaps Between Moments of Low and High Creativity
Abstract: This study aims to explore the contextual variables which impact the levels of low to high creativity moments. We aim to use wearable technology to close the gap between the topic of creativity by measuring moments of creative fixation and then using feedback in these low creativity moments to spur creativity. Ultimately, the main […]
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