I am a Professor of Human Computer Interaction and am currently the Head of Department (Software Engineering & Cybersecurity (formerly Computer Science)) and Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Integrity) at Aston University.  I joined the Computer Science department at Aston University as a lecturer and designer/director of the Aston Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab in June, 2009. 

For almost 7 years prior to moving to Aston University, I worked as a Research Officer with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) where I designed and managed a state-of-the-art mobile human computer interaction evaluation lab within the NRC facility.

From 2002 to 2021 I was also an Adjunct Professor with the Faculty of Computer Science then with the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of New Brunswick, Canada. 

I obtained a B.Sc. (Hons) in Software Engineering from Glasgow University in 1996, from where I also later graduated with a Ph.D. in HCI in 2001.  Both during and subsequent to my Ph.D. term, I worked as a research assistant within the Department of Computer Science at Glasgow University.

My research activities cover many aspects of human computer interaction.  Most recently I have been focussing on trust in e-Commerce and on mobile human computer interaction design and associated evaluation techniques. I have been investigating novel approaches to participatory design involving users who are vulnerable or who have special needs.  I have a keen interest in using mobile technologies in novel capacities (e.g., as assistive devices) and in designing novel interaction techniques for mobile technologies.  I have an ongoing research interest in audio feedback design and how we can use audio feedback to enhance or completely replace visual-based I/O, especially in non-standard contexts of use (e.g., motor racing).  I have an interest in decision support systems.  My research is very practical in nature, and can be applied across a range of domains, including but not limited to motorsport, healthcare, education, smart cities, etc.

I oversee and coordinate all HCI-related teaching here at Aston, having designed all HCI-related modules across all programmes/levels to integrate and thus provide a cohesive learning experience.  The active modules which I lead are:

• CS3MDD: Mobile Design & Development (15-credit, final-year module, designed and co-taught with Dr Beaumont)

• CS3ID: Interaction Design (15-credit, final-year module, designed and teach)

Modules which I designed but which are now led by colleagues include:

• CS4665: Human Computer Interaction (15-credit, MSc module, designed and now led by Dr Marwa Gadala)

• DC2260: Human Computer Interaction (10-credit, degree apprenticeship, distance learning module, designed the module which I taught but is now taught by Dr Lilit Hakobyan)

• DC3410: Interaction Design (10-credit, degree apprenticeship distance learning module, designed and teach)

• B.Sc. with First Class Honours in Software Engineering, Glasgow University, Scotland, 1996

• Ph.D. in Human Computer Interaction, Glasgow University, Scotland, 2001

• Diploma in University Teaching, University of New Brunswick, Canada, 2006

• 2020 – current: Professor of Human Computer Interaction, Head of Department (Software Engineering & Cybersecurity (formerly Computer Science)), (from 2021) Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Integrity) and Director of the Aston Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab, School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Aston University

• 2015 – 2020: Reader and Director of the Aston Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab, School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Aston University

• 2012 – 2015: Senior Lecturer and Director of the Aston Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab, School of Engineering & Applied Science, Aston University

• 2009 – 2012: Lecturer and Director of the Aston Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab, School of Engineering & Applied Science, Aston University

• 2002 – 2009: Research Officer and Mobile HCI Lab Manager, National Research Council of Canada

• 1996 – 2002: Research Assistant, Department of Computer Science, Glasgow University

Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Mobile HCI (IJMHCI) – the only journal dedicated to the design and evaluation of the user interface aspects of mobile technologies

Current Ph.D Supervision

• Chloe Alsop: Engineering A Novel Mobile Assistive Technology to Improve Quality of Life, Independence and Medical Condition Management in Individuals with Healthcare-Related Needs
   (co-supervisor, Lilit Hakobyan)
• Muhammad Zaman: Supporting Joint Decision Making to Enhance Early Cochlear Implantation in Children with Higher Degrees of Hearing Loss (working title) (co-supervisor Amanda Hall (LHS))
• Vincent Zakka: Human Activity Analysis in Smart Environments (working title) (principal supervisor, Luis Manso (CS))

Graduated Ph.D. Students

• Semui Salawu (2021): Detection and Prevention of Cyberbullying on Online Social Networks (co-supervisor, Yulan He (Warwick University))
• Nicholas Powell (2018): Performance-Based Audio Feedback for Accelerated Skills Acquisition in Motorsport/Driver Training (associate supervisor, Harry Goldingay)
• Lilit Hakobyan (2016): Self-Monitoring, Ability-Reactive Technology for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (associate supervisors Dympna O’Sullivan (City University, London) & Rachel Shaw (LHS))
• Victoria Lush (2014): Visualisation of Quality Information for Geospatial and Remote Sensing Data (associate supervisor, Lucy Bastin)
• Will Plant (2013): Effective Search for Colour Images (co-supervisor Ian Nabney)
• Linda Duffett-Leger (2011): Developing a Web-Based Approach for Promoting Cervical Health in Young Women [University of New Brunswick, Canada] (co-supervisor B. Paterson)

I have also supervised to completion six 2-year, Masters by research students at the University of New Brunswick.

I am always interested to hear from well-qualified students who are dedicated to pursuing a Ph.D. in a research area aligned with my interests.  Students with strong backgrounds in computer science, human-computer interaction, and/or psychology and who have empathy with users and excellent communication skills are encouraged to contact me.  In particular, I would be very keen to hear from prospective students or post-docs who have an interest in all aspects of research associated with the design, delivery, and evaluation of mobile assistive technologies and/or innovative interaction with mobile technology.  I would also be interested to hear from prospective students who have an interest in exploring ethics and trust related to application of AI across any sector.

I assume a number of roles of responsibilty within Aston, some of which are listed below:

• Head of Department, Software Engineering & Cybersecurity (formerly Computer Science)
• Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research Integrity
• I am the Director of the Aston Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab.
• I lead the Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Research Group.
• I led the Computer Science Management Team until School restructure.
• I lead the Computer Science Programme Committee.
• I am committed to the welfare of students and am honoured to serve as a Senior Personal Tutor for students in the School Engineering & Physical Sciences.
• I am co-PI and management team member of the ALIVE Lab, a multidisiplinary lab for immersive virtual environments.
• I have a passion for human subject research ethics and was the Chair of the Ethics Committee for the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences (2019 to 2022) having previously served in various advisory roles related to ethics.
• I am committed to a fair workplace and from Sept 2017 to July 2019 served as Chair/Deputy Chair of the Equality and Diversity Working Group (EDWG) for the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences. 

I deliver consultancy related to Human Computer Interaction - including software usability evaluation and bespoke training - to companies within the West Midlands region and beyond. If you are interested in discussing consultancy needs in this area, please contact me.