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

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).

Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

🔬 Grazia Ragone is a researcher in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on autism and interactive systems. 🏫 She earned her PhD from the University of Sussex, UK, where she investigated social motor synchrony in autistic children through motion capture and sonification. 🎼 With a background in psychology, developmental science, and music therapy, she integrates interdisciplinary methods into assistive technology. 💻 She has extensive teaching experience in research methods, cognitive science, and HCI at the University of Sussex. 🏆 Her research has been recognized with multiple international awards, including Microsoft Research’s Best Student Research Competition. 🌍 She actively contributes as a reviewer and associate chair for HCI conferences and journals. 📖 Her work bridges psychology, technology, and education, aiming to enhance accessibility and interaction for neurodiverse individuals.

Profile

Education 🎓

She completed her PhD in 2023 at the University of Sussex, UK, where her research focused on autism, motion capture, and social motor synchrony. Prior to this, she earned an MSc in Psychological Methods from the University of Sussex in 2018, with a focus on autism and interactional features. She also holds an MPhil in Developmental Psychology from London Metropolitan University (2015), specializing in child development and interaction. In 2014, she completed her BSc in Developmental Psychology at London Metropolitan University, studying early cognitive and social development. She further enriched her expertise with a Master’s in Music & Art Therapy from Tor Vergata University in Rome (2006), where she focused on therapeutic interventions for individuals with special needs. Her academic journey began with a BA in Humanities from the University of Pavia, Italy (2004), where she studied philosophy, linguistics, and cultural studies.

Experience 👨‍🏫

From 2019 to 2023, she worked as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Sussex, UK, where she taught Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), research methods, and professional skills. Prior to this, she served as a Research Assistant at the University of Sussex (2016-2018), focusing on technology designed for neurodiverse children. From 2014 to 2016, she conducted research on autism and interactive environments at London Metropolitan University. Earlier in her career, she was a Research Assistant at CNR-ISTI Pisa, Italy (2008-2014), where she contributed to the development of assistive software for autistic children. Her experience also includes working as a Music Therapist for the Rome City Council (2005-2010), providing therapeutic interventions for autistic children. Additionally, from 2010 to 2019, she worked as a Trainer and Consultant, conducting workshops and training programs for professionals in the field of autism.

Research Interests 🔬

Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and autism, developing interactive systems to support neurodiverse individuals. She explores the role of music and sonification in enhancing motor and social skills through auditory feedback. Her work also includes investigating social motor synchrony using motion capture technology. She designs AI-powered assistive technology to support autistic children and applies user-centered design principles to create accessible interfaces for individuals with special needs.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

She has received several prestigious awards and honors for her contributions to autism research and assistive technology. In 2021, she was awarded the Best Student Research Award by Microsoft Research at the ASSETS Conference. Her work was also recognized with the Best Work in Progress Award at the IDC Conference on autism research in 2020. In 2013, she received the Horizon Research Award from London Metropolitan University for outstanding research. Her contributions to autism research earned her a Massachusetts Senate Citation in 2012, and in 2011, she was honored with the Rotary Club Research Award from CNR Pisa for excellence in autism studies.

Publications 📚

  •  Supporting and understanding autistic children’s non-verbal interactions through OSMoSIS, a motion-based sonic system
    International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction
    2025-02 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcci.2025.100726
    CONTRIBUTORS: Grazia Ragone; Judith Good; Kate Howland

  • Child-Centered AI for Empowering Creative and Inclusive Learning Experiences

    Proceedings of ACM Interaction Design and Children Conference: Inclusive Happiness, IDC 2024
    2024 | Conference paper
    DOI: 10.1145/3628516.3661157

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85197894406

    Part ofISBN: 9798400704420
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ragone, G.; Ali, S.A.; Esposito, A.; Good, J.; Howland, K.; Presicce, C.

  • Designing Safe and Engaging AI Experiences for Children: Towards the Definition of Best Practices in UI/UX Design

    arXiv
    2024 | Other
    DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2404.14218

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85192517180

    Part of ISSN: 23318422
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ragone, G.; Buono, P.; Lanzilotti,