Portfolio

1. Usability Assessment: “Look Doc No Hands” Hand Washing Station, Rice University: The project focused on evaluating the usability of a hand washing (scrubbing) station designed for surgeons. Initially, we conducted heuristic evaluations and cognitive walkthroughs to identify usability issues. Subsequently, we assessed the device’s effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction. Our findings were then utilized to advise the product design team regarding usability concerns. The resulting report provided recommendations for design improvements aimed at addressing these issues. For further details, you can access the project presentation here.  
2. Interface Design of the Systems of an SAE Level 4 Vehicle, Rice University: Our project entailed designing interfaces for the navigation, entertainment, environmental, and operational systems of an SAE level-4 vehicle, featuring non-traditional interfaces. Considering the unique conditions of driving, especially in autonomous vehicles, we meticulously addressed human factors and ergonomics concerns. The interfaces were designed to minimize distractions while ensuring they provide essential services expected from a heads-up display (HUD). For further insights, please refer to our project presentation here.
3. Human Factors analysis of Houston Metro Rail System, Rice University: Our project focused on analyzing the Houston metro rail system to identify design issues contributing to accidents. Employing various human factors methods including Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA), Critical Incident Analysis, Heuristic Evaluations, Cognitive Walkthroughs (CWT), Activity Analysis, and Flow Analysis, we gained comprehensive insights. The primary findings centered on system integration challenges between traffic lights and the metro rail system, potentially contributing to accidents. Additionally, issues related to system or information visibility, lack of alignment between the system and users’ mental models, and system interference with user goals were identified. For further details, please refer to our project presentation here.
4. Ambient Assisted Living for The Elderly, Oulu University: This user-centered design (UCD) project aimed to enhance the well-being of individuals in elderly care facilities through the development of tailored software applications. Our focus was on providing useful services to address various needs within these settings. The applications served diverse purposes, such as minimizing medical errors through an NFC-based mobile application for medication administration by nurses, and facilitating social activities through a transportation application enabling volunteers to arrange carpool services for the elderly. Addressing the prevalent issue of loneliness and limited human contact among the elderly, several applications were designed to promote social interactions and increase opportunities for human connection. Sponsored by the European Union, this collaborative project involved universities in Finland and France. For further information about the EU’s assisted living program, please visit here.
5. Designing for a Joyful Experience Between Distant Others: This theme-based project centered around public digital screens functioning as wireless hotspots in Oulu, Finland, embraced a user-centered design methodology. Users were actively engaged at various stages of product design and development, enriching the process with diverse perspectives. The project’s distinctiveness lay in its experience-driven approach to idea generation, focusing on fostering joyful interactions among individuals, irrespective of spatial or temporal distance. Methodologies such as concept generation utilizing IDEO and PLEX cards, iterative design, focus groups, and usability testing/evaluation were integral parts of the application development and the overall project. Throughout the project duration, team members contributed weekly blogs documenting progress, providing insights into the iterative nature of the design process. You can find these blogs here.