Ezgi İlhan | User experience design | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ezgi İlhan | User experience design | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ezgi Ilhan is an accomplished academic and designer specializing in industrial design, user experience, and gamification. Born in Ankara in 1985, she has cultivated a rich academic and professional career blending design, technology, and research. Currently serving as Assistant Professor at Gazi University, Ankara, she teaches diverse design courses while actively engaging in innovative research. Dr. Ilhan holds a PhD in Industrial Design from Gazi University, an MSc in Game Technologies from Middle East Technical University (METU), and extensive international exposure through Erasmus at Universidad de Valladolid, Spain. With professional experience spanning product design, game design, and user experience, her work focuses on integrating eye-tracking technologies, usability studies, and human-computer interaction. Dr. Ilhan has published extensively in international journals, presented at global conferences, and earned multiple awards, including the European Product Design Award. Fluent in English, with working knowledge of Spanish and German, she exemplifies multidisciplinary expertise in design innovation.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Ezgi Ilhan pursued diverse academic training blending design, technology, and user experience. She earned her PhD in Industrial Design from Gazi University (2015-2021), achieving a remarkable GPA of 3.98/4. Earlier, she completed her MSc in Game Technologies at Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara (2012-2015), with a GPA of 3.79/4. Her bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design was also from METU (2006-2009), where she transferred successfully from the City and Regional Planning program (2003-2006). As part of Erasmus, she studied Industrial Design Technical Engineering at Universidad de Valladolid, Spain, achieving 9.5/10. Dr. Ilhan’s strong educational foundation began at Dr. Binnaz-Rıdvan Ege Anatolian High School, Ankara, where she excelled in Mathematics-Science (4.98/5). Her academic journey reflects a consistent record of excellence, with multiple high honors and honors at METU, preparing her for interdisciplinary research integrating design, technology, human-computer interaction, and gamification.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Ezgi Ilhan’s professional career spans academia, industry, and research. Since September 2022, she has been an Assistant Professor at Gazi University, Ankara, teaching courses such as Computer-Aided Design, Product Design, and Competition-Oriented Design. She also holds part-time teaching roles at METU, TOBB ETU, and previously at Ostim Technical University. At Atılım University, she progressed from Research Assistant (2014–2021) to Assistant Professor (2022), teaching a wide range of design courses and managing administrative duties. In industry, she worked as a Game Designer at Pixofun (2011–2013), developing gamified applications, simulations, and game-based education programs. Earlier, she served as a Product Designer at Journey (2009–2011), overseeing production stages, cost analysis, and design guidance. Her experience also includes internships and student assistant roles in graphic design and industrial design at METU and Vestel. This diverse experience supports her expertise in blending academic theory with practical design and user experience innovation.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Ezgi Ilhan has received multiple awards recognizing her excellence in design and academia. Internationally, she won the European Product Design Award MECON (2021) for Office Equipment/Furnishings/Modules and secured a Silver Winner position at the Muse Design Awards MECON (2021) in Furniture/Office Furniture. During her academic journey, she earned METU High Honor and Honor Student distinctions across multiple semesters. She holds various certificates, including the De Gruyter Training Certificate (2019), Industrial Technology Design Certificate (2010), Spanish Course Completion Certificate (2009), and several certifications in human resources management and computer modeling. Dr. Ilhan has also participated in prestigious events such as the Game Developers Conference (GDC) Europe, Global Game Jam Jury, Paris Fashion Week, and numerous international conferences. These accolades highlight her continuous professional development, global engagement, and excellence in design, research, and teaching.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Ezgi Ilhan’s research interests lie at the intersection of industrial design, human-computer interaction, user experience, and gamification. Her work emphasizes the integration of eye-tracking technologies to inform design decisions, enhance usability, and improve user interaction with products and digital interfaces. She has explored topics such as mobile app gamification for improving sleep behaviors, aesthetic evaluation using eye-tracking, usability evaluation in gaming environments, and technology-driven design methodologies. With numerous publications in high-impact journals such as International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, Multimedia Tools and Applications, Entertainment Computing, and Displays, her research contributes valuable insights into technology-supported design processes. She actively presents her work at international conferences, addressing global audiences on cutting-edge design approaches. Her multidisciplinary approach bridges technology, psychology, and design, aiming to create more intuitive, user-centered products and digital experiences that foster engagement, functionality, and satisfaction.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Ezgi Ilhan is a distinguished scholar whose multidisciplinary expertise in industrial design, user experience, and gamification, supported by extensive academic excellence, innovative research, global awards, and diverse professional experience, establishes her as a leading figure advancing human-centered design and technology-driven innovation.

Publications

Ang Guo | Problem Solving | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Mr. Ang Guo | Problem Solving | Best Researcher Award

Guo Ang is a dedicated graduate student in Mechanical Engineering at Liaoning University of Technology, China, with a strong academic background and emerging research contributions in advanced manufacturing. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design, Manufacturing, and Automation from Luoyang Institute of Science and Technology. Guo’s master’s research focuses on ultrasound-assisted in-situ preparation of chromium carbide-reinforced nickel-based cladding layers, a topic at the intersection of materials science and surface engineering. Under the supervision of Prof. Li Jinhua, he has developed innovative experimental methods to explore grain refinement in cladding processes. With one journal manuscript under review and strong lab collaboration, Guo is steadily building his academic profile. He is committed to pushing boundaries in multi-functional laser additive manufacturing. His work holds potential applications in enhancing material durability and performance, making significant contributions to industrial engineering practices. Guo is a promising candidate for the Best Research Scholar Award due to his innovation and diligence.

Profile

🎓 Education

Guo Ang is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Liaoning University of Technology, where he is expected to graduate in June 2025. His postgraduate research emphasizes advanced laser additive manufacturing techniques, particularly ultrasonic-assisted in-situ preparation methods. Before this, he completed his undergraduate studies at Luoyang Institute of Science and Technology, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design, Manufacturing, and Automation. During his education, Guo has shown consistent academic excellence and technical curiosity, especially in the field of surface engineering and material coatings. He has gained in-depth knowledge of ultrasonic mechanisms, metallurgical processes, and composite layer formation. Guo’s academic trajectory is characterized by a hands-on approach to experimental mechanics, microstructure analysis, and the development of new coating technologies for industrial applications. His education reflects a blend of theoretical grounding and practical research capabilities that make him well-prepared for a future in advanced manufacturing research and technology innovation.

🧪 Experience

Guo Ang is a graduate researcher at Liaoning University of Technology with focused experience in experimental material science. While currently at an early stage in his professional career, he has played a pivotal role in ongoing laboratory research related to ultrasonic-assisted surface engineering. Working closely with Prof. Li Jinhua and a dedicated team of lab members, he has contributed to experimental setups, data analysis, and microstructural evaluation of laser-cladded coatings. His key experience lies in exploring how ultrasonic frequencies influence coating grain structures, leading to the development of innovative hypotheses about grain refinement mechanisms. Guo’s technical experience includes operating advanced manufacturing equipment, analyzing surface morphology, and characterizing metallurgical phases. Though he has not yet been involved in industry collaborations or consulting projects, his academic lab work demonstrates a high level of initiative, problem-solving, and collaborative research ability. This foundational experience has prepared him to contribute significantly to applied research and innovation in mechanical engineering.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Although Guo Ang is at an early stage of his academic career, he is actively building a foundation for future recognition. He has been nominated for the Best Research Scholar Award, which acknowledges his potential and progress in ultrasonic-assisted composite layer manufacturing. While he has not yet received formal awards, his ongoing contributions have earned recognition within his academic community, particularly from his supervisor, Prof. Li Jinhua. The submission of his research manuscript to the Journal of Alloys and Compounds reflects growing scholarly engagement. His novel approach to analyzing the effect of ultrasonic frequencies on grain size has been commended for its originality and applicability in advanced surface engineering. These accomplishments, though in progress, indicate a promising future in scientific innovation. As his research matures and gains peer-reviewed publication status, Guo is expected to garner further accolades in the field of laser additive manufacturing and composite material engineering.

🔬 Research Focus

Guo Ang’s research is centered on ultrasound-assisted in-situ preparation of chromium carbide-reinforced nickel-based cladding layers, a promising domain within surface engineering and additive manufacturing. His work explores how varying ultrasonic frequencies influence microstructural characteristics—specifically grain size—during the cladding process. The core hypothesis challenges conventional assumptions by proposing that increased ultrasonic frequency results in finer grains, a finding with implications for coating durability and wear resistance. Guo also investigates the thermodynamic and metallurgical phenomena underlying particle dispersion and solidification behavior during laser cladding. This research integrates simulation and hands-on experimental design to validate theoretical models, providing a dual approach to innovation. In collaboration with Prof. Li Jinhua and his lab team, Guo is advancing methodologies that could be pivotal for industrial applications requiring high-performance, wear-resistant coatings. His broader interests include multifunctional field composite manufacturing and smart surface engineering, aiming to enhance mechanical properties and performance in real-world engineering environments.

✅ Conclusion

Guo Ang is an emerging scholar in mechanical engineering whose innovative research on ultrasonic-assisted cladding methods reflects both academic rigor and practical relevance, making him a strong candidate for the Best Research Scholar Award and a promising contributor to the future of advanced materials and manufacturing science.

Publications

  • Effect of Ultrasonic Vibration on Microstructure and Properties of Ni‐Based Cladding Layers Reinforced by Chromium Carbide In Situ Generated

    Advanced Engineering Materials
    2025-06-03 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1002/adem.202500105
    Part of ISSN: 1438-1656
    Part of ISSN: 1527-2648
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jinhua Li; Ang Guo; Yongming Dong; Jincheng Song; Fangping ya

Hsiao Peng Wei | E-Learning | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hsiao Peng Wei | E-Learning | Best Researcher Award

Hsiao Peng Wei is a lecturer at the Faculty of Art and Design, Macao Polytechnic University, specializing in interactive design, digital experiences, and cultural sustainability. He holds a Ph.D. in Design from Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan, where he also served as a research assistant on several national and industry-academic projects. During his doctoral studies, he was an exchange researcher at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman in Malaysia, contributing to virtual 3D environment projects. Previously, he held a faculty position at Macau University of Science and Technology. Hsiao has led multiple funded research projects focused on sustainability, digital heritage, and learning technologies. His interdisciplinary work has been recognized with numerous awards and international collaborations. A prolific academic, he has published in SSCI, Scopus, and EI-indexed journals, with 183 citations. His pedagogical contributions extend to mentoring students in award-winning design competitions across the Greater Bay Area.

Profile

Education 🎓

Hsiao Peng Wei completed his Ph.D. in Design from Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan, in 2018. His doctoral studies emphasized interactive media and digital integration with cultural contexts, during which he collaborated internationally as an exchange scholar at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman in Malaysia. There, he engaged in immersive virtual 3D environment research. In addition to his doctoral education, he gained practical experience assisting in five research projects — including three national science and technology projects and two industry-academic partnerships — that shaped his methodological approach and interdisciplinary perspective. His educational path laid a strong foundation for future teaching and research endeavors in digital art, e-learning systems, and cultural heritage. This academic background also led him to assume an editorial role in reputed international conferences and journals, further strengthening his position in the global academic community.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Hsiao Peng Wei has over a decade of academic and research experience in design and digital innovation. Currently a lecturer at Macao Polytechnic University, he teaches digital experience and interactive design courses. Prior to this, he served as an assistant professor at Macau University of Science and Technology, contributing to research and teaching in the Faculty of Humanities and Arts. His career highlights include leading major funded projects on sustainability, intangible cultural heritage, and digital learning. He has collaborated with international academic institutions like Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, as well as industry partners such as Chazence Technology and the Chinese Academy of Forestry. His leadership extends beyond teaching — he has mentored student teams to success in regional and international competitions and plays active roles in academic peer review and professional associations in Taiwan and Macao.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Hsiao Peng Wei has received multiple awards recognizing his academic and creative excellence. He is a seven-time recipient of the international Best Paper Award in design and interactive learning conferences. His research article, published in Interactive Learning Environments, ranked in the top 5% of the Education & Educational Research field. He has guided student teams to win prominent accolades, including the Copywriting Award in the 2023 Greater Bay Area Branding Design Competition, and Champion in the 2023 Carbon Neutral City Creative Competition. He serves as a reviewer for Asia Pacific Viewpoint (SSCI, Q1) and IASDR, reflecting his standing in the scholarly community. He is a director at the Macao International Art and Health Association and a member of the Taiwan Amoeba Design Association. These recognitions demonstrate his consistent contributions to digital design innovation, sustainability, and cultural integration.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Hsiao’s research revolves around interactive design, digital experience, and cultural heritage preservation through technology. He integrates e-learning, multimedia, and gamified platforms with traditional cultural content to promote sustainability and heritage awareness. His recent focus includes blending health, sports, and sustainability into immersive digital learning environments. As the principal investigator, he leads projects such as the FDCT-funded study on surplus food and service design in Macau, a university-funded project on digital art applications for intangible heritage, and the LOHAS digital community revitalization initiative. His work bridges academic research, real-world impact, and interdisciplinary collaboration, involving institutions like the Chinese Academy of Forestry and Chazence Technology. He leverages interactive digital tools to enhance cultural storytelling, educational outcomes, and environmental consciousness, aligning his work with global goals for sustainable development and creative innovation

Publications

  • Integrating Sustainable Concepts into Blended Learning and Interactive Game System Design

    Engineering Proceedings
    2025-05 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.3390/engproc2025092059
    CONTRIBUTORS: HSiAO; Zheng-Qing Wang
  • Hsiao, P. W., Wang, Z. Q. (2025). Integrating Sustainable Concepts into Blended
    Learning and Interactive Game System Design, Engineering Proceedings, 92(1), 59;
    https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025092059. (Scopus, IF:0.7, CiteScore:0.9).
  • Hsiao, P. W., Kong, L. Q., Ye, Y. L. (2024). Interactive Game Experience: A preliminary
    investigation of the impact of virtual reality on exercise rehabilitation
    behaviors, Interactive
  • Xu, S., Hsiao, P. W., Li C., and Zhang J. Y. (2024). Delicious Cyber Ghost: Using
    Pepper’s Ghost in Computer-Aided Design to Enhance Cantonese Morning Tea
    Education, Engineering Proceedings, 74(1),
    78. https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2024074078. (Scopus, IF:0.7, CiteScore:0.9).
  • Su, Y., Hsiao, P. W., Fan, K. K. (2023). Investigating the relationship between users’
    behavioral intentions and learning effects of VR system for sustainable tourism
    development, Sustainability, 15 (9), 7277. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097277.
    (SCI & SSCI, Q2, IF:3.9, CiteScore:5.8) (Scopus).
  • Luo Y. J., Hsiao, P. W. (2023). Design of interactive learning materials with concept
    of sustainability integrated into Macau Drunken Dragon Dance, Engineering
    Proceedings, 38(1), 12, 1-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2023038012.
    (Scopus, IF:0.7, CiteScore:0.9).
  • Hsiao, P. W., Su, C. H. (2021). A Study on the Impact of STEAM Education for
    Sustainable Development Courses and Its Effects on Student Motivation and
    Learning, Sustainability, 13 (7), 3772. DOI:
    https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073772. (SCI & SSCI, Q2, IF:3.8,
    CiteScore:5.8) (Scopus).

Zhao Tianjiao | Design Education | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Zhao Tianjiao | Design Education | Best Researcher Award

Zhao Tianjiao is an Associate Professor in the Visual Art Department at Tianjin University and a Master’s Degree Supervisor in Industrial Design. He holds a Ph.D. in Design from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and has extensive experience in research on user experience, design thinking, and deep learning applications in design. His work focuses on emotion-embedded design, creative idea generation, and intelligent design tools. He has published numerous SCI/SSCI-indexed research papers and has led several national research projects in China. 🎨📚🔬

Profile

Education 🎓

Zhao Tianjiao completed his Bachelor’s (2009) and Master’s (2011) degrees in Mechatronics Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology. He pursued his Ph.D. in Design (2015) from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He was also a Visiting Scholar (2013-2014) at National Taiwan University, where he explored interdisciplinary research in design and planning. His education provided a strong foundation in integrating engineering, design, and user experience methodologies. 🎓📖💡

Experience 👨‍🏫

Zhao Tianjiao began his academic career as a Lecturer (2016-2020) in the Visual Art Department at Tianjin University. He was later promoted to Associate Professor (2021-present) and has been a Master’s Degree Supervisor (2017-present) in Industrial Design. His teaching focuses on User Experience Design, Design Thinking, and Animation Derivative Design. Over the years, he has contributed to curriculum innovation and research-driven education. 🎭👨‍🏫📐

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Zhao Tianjiao has been recognized for his academic excellence and teaching contributions. He received the Tianjin University Elite Scholar Program Award, was selected for the Tianjin 131 Talent Project, and won Second Prize in the Tianjin University Youth Teacher Lecture Competition. Additionally, he was honored with the Excellent Guide Teacher Award at the National College Digital Art and Design Awards. 🏅🎨🎖️

Research Interests 🔬

His research explores emotion-driven design, deep learning applications in creative design, and user experience optimization. He investigates how AI can enhance design processes and has led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects on design big data, creative education, and intelligent product development. His work bridges the gap between human emotions and AI-driven design methodologies. 🤖🎨

Publications 

1. Zhao T.J.,Jia J.Y., Zhu T.F.,Yang J.Y.(2023 Accept).Research on emotion-embedded design fow based on deeplearningtechnology. International Journal of Technology and Design Education. (SCI/SSCI)

2. Zhao T.J.,Zhang X.Y.,Zhang H.C.,Meng Y.F.(2023 Accept), A study on users’ attention distribution to product featuresunderdifferent emotions.Behaviour & Information Technology.(SCI/SSCI)

3. Zhao T.J.,Yang J.Y.，Zhang H.C.，Kin Wai Michael Siu (2019).Creative idea generation method based on deeplearning，International Journal of Technology and Design Education,2021,31, 421-440. (SCI/SSCI)

4. Zhao, T.J., & Siu, K. W. M. (2015). The needs of quality urban rail transit life in an Asian metropolitan city. Applied ResearchinQuality of Life, 10(4):647~665.(SSCI)

5. Zhao, T.J., & Siu, K. W. M. (2014). The Boundaries of Public Space: A Case Study of Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway.
International Journal of Design, 8(2), 43-60. (SCI/SSCI )

6. Zhao T.J., Zhang H.C., Yang J.Y. (2018). Research on theDesign Form Exploring Method from Daily Life: ExplorationandPractice on the Teaching of Form Design Course. ZHUANGSHI, 306(10), 104-107. (CSSCI)

7. Zhao T.J.,Chen M.J.,Liu W.F.(2022).Research on Image Retrieval Optimization Based on Eye Movement Experiment
Data,Journal of Education and Training Studies, 10(4).

8. Zhao T.J., Zhang H.C.,Pan L.(2021).The Teaching Reform of User Experience Design under the NewEngineeringBackground——”Multy Integration”Curriculum Model Practice,Creation and Design,2021(5):7.

9. Yang J.Y.,Zhao, T.J., Zhang H.C.(2020).Visual strategy boosts service design.Tsinghua Publishing.

10. Zhao, T.J., Zhu, T.F.(2019). Exploration of product design emotion based on three-level theory of emotional design, Advancesin Intelligent Systems and Computing, v 1018, p 169-175. (EI Conference)

11. Zhao T.J., Siu K W M, Sun H.(2017). Discovering subway design opportunities using social network data: Theimage-need-design opportunity model. International Conference on Social Computing and Social Media. Springer, Cham, 2017, 451-466. (EI Conference)

12. Zhao, T.J., and Kin Wai Michael Siu (2017). The Production of URT Public Space: People, Occupation, and PracticeintheHong Kong Mass Transit Railway. The International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design .11(3): 35-48.

13. Zhao T. J, Gao K, Li X, et al(2017). Deep Learning based Design Image Management: Proceedings of the International
Conference on Environmental Science and Sustainable Energy,Ed.by ZhaoYang Dong[M]// ESSE 2017. 453-461.

14. Zhao, T.J., & Siu, K. W. M. (2014). Freedom and Control: A state of balance in public space. Facilities, 32(11/12), 606-623.

15. Zhao T. J., Siu K. W. M.(2012). The role of subway in the urban life: Case study in Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway. Humanities and Social Sciences Review, 2012.