Human-Computer Interaction and Design Researcher
My expertise is based in the fields of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and design, where I examine the role of equity in the design of public services. My current research is based in the Finnish context, where I study how public organisations and institutions adopt emerging technologies, particularly AI, in human-centered ways.
My research focuses on designing for agency, looking at how to empower and facilitate users in building capacity, creativity and autonomy. My interests also include how AI can be designed in a participatory manner, and can facilitate creative needs in organisational settings. I use participatory, speculative and playful methods in developing the concept of institutional imagination.
June 2023-March 2027 (expected graduation)
Aalto University, Finland
D.Sc, Computer Science (focusing on Human-Computer Interaction) Thesis: Designing for Equity in Public Services Supervisory Committee: Johanna Viitanen, Johanna Ylipulli, Joanna Saad-Sulonen
Sept. 2019-Jan 2021
Aalto University, Finland
M.A. Collaborative and Industrial Design Thesis: Mapping the vocabulary of AI through a pluriversal lens
May 2013-Jan 2018
National Institute of Design, India
B.Des. Industrial Design
June 2023 - ongoing
Doctoral Researcher at Aalto University, Finland I study how public institutions design digital systems for the people they serve, and what organizations need to do differently when adopting technologies like AI in public-facing contexts. I use participatory methods to work with a diverse group of stakeholders, from public officials, to NGOs, to migrant groups to understand how to equitably and efficiently adopt future technologies in the public sector.
Jan. 2022- June 2023
Design Researcher at Aalto University, Finland Part of the CRAI-CIS Research group, looking into Crisis Narratives and developing a platform for crisis communication experts. Also involved in research concerning algorithmic literacy and citizen agency. Role involves developing prototypes, conducting participatory design workshops, interviews, hosting conferences, documentation and analysis.
March 2020- Dec. 2021
Service Designer at Wellmo, Finland Service design role at a digital healthcare application which focuses on prevention. Key aspects of the job were understanding client needs and translating them into actionable services and interfaces.
July 2018- July 2019
Design Researcher at Pensaar Design, India Qualitative and quantitative research, synthesis to insights, briefs and eventually solutions. Designing and executing the customer and user experience at different product and service companies across different domains. Conducting co-creation and design thinking workshops for companies across India and Silicon Valley. My role also evolved as a project lead with client engagement and contact.
2024
Pilot Project on Algorithmic Literacy and Living Labs for Digital Citizenship and Co- creative Learning Ministry of Education and Culture’s (MEC) Global Program Pilots at Aalto University (30,000€)
2023
Researcher Support Funding Helsinki Institute of Information Technology (HIIT) (3000€)
2019
Academic Scholarship Aalto University Master’s Tuition fee waiver (100% scholarship)
Lecturer in Society & Technology course: Technology and AI in Public Services