PhD Student in HCI
Monica Hegde
I translate insights from qualitative research into user-centered product decisions. Grounded in systems thinking and guided by evidence, I help teams navigate ambiguity and build technology that reflects real human needs.
About
Bridging research and practice
Currently
PhD researcher at Indiana University, studying how older adults adopt conversational AI for social wellness.
Passionate about
Designing technology that works for people often left out of the design process. I care about inclusion, agency, and making AI feel human.
Known for
Connecting rigorous qualitative research to real product decisions. I run studies, find patterns, and turn them into things teams can build on.
Evidence
35+
research participants
4
research projects led
2 yrs
professional experience
Projects
Selected research and design work
Designing Conversational Systems to Support Older Adults’ Social Wellness
Designing a conversational system to help older adults discover and participate in community social activities
Understanding Older Adults’ Willingness to Adopt Voice Assistants for Social Wellness
Exploring how older adults perceive and evaluate the potential of voice assistants to support social wellness and what factors influence their willingness to adopt these technologies.
Snackwise: Designing Healthier Workplace Snacking
A UX research-driven concept for a subscription-based healthy snack platform designed to improve employee wellbeing in workplaces.
IndyHop: Designing a Smart City Exploration System
A kiosk and mobile system designed to help residents and visitors discover attractions, events, and experiences across Indianapolis.
Evaluating LinkedIn’s Job Search Experience
A usability evaluation of LinkedIn’s job search and application features to identify navigation, filtering, and interaction issues affecting job seekers.
Blogs
Writing and reflections
Articles, essays, and thoughts on HCI, design research, and technology.
Mem it and Forget it : Great Idea, Unfinished Design
AI note-taking is having a moment. Mem calls itself "the notes app that thinks alongside you". Here's what the design actually delivers.
Instagram Instants: Sent. No Preview. No Warning. Good Luck!
Instagram Instants went live and immediately started sending photos people didn't mean to share. This is what a design failure looks like in real time.
When your score becomes you
In the Black Mirror episode "Nosedive," a rating app determines where you live, where you work, and who will talk to you. It is a design critique disguised as science fiction.
Connect
Let's work together
Actively seeking internships in UX research, product management, and interaction design to turn user insights into impactful product decisions and experiences.
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