Research Statement
Dr. Ahmed Al-Sa'di
Assistant Professor & Senior Research Advisor
Pioneering Human-Computer Interaction, Educational Technology, and Cross-Cultural Design Solutions
My research philosophy is rooted in the belief that technology should be inherently human-centered, culturally sensitive, and pedagogically meaningful. I approach research through an interdisciplinary lens, combining rigorous empirical investigation with practical application to create solutions that genuinely improve human experiences with technology, particularly in educational contexts.
Placing user needs, cultural contexts, and accessibility at the forefront of technology design and implementation.
Employing rigorous empirical methods, mixed-method approaches, and systematic evaluations to validate research findings.
Translating research insights into practical guidelines, frameworks, and tools that benefit practitioners and end-users.
My vision is to advance the field of Human-Computer Interaction by developing culturally-inclusive design methodologies and educational technologies that bridge the gap between diverse user populations and emerging technologies. I aim to establish design principles and frameworks that enable equitable access to technology across different cultural, linguistic, and educational contexts.
Primary Research Focus
Developing comprehensive frameworks for designing user interfaces that accommodate diverse cultural contexts, particularly focusing on Arabic-language interfaces and cross-cultural usability principles.
Applied Research Domain
Pioneering research in AI-enhanced learning environments, developing frameworks like EduFlex for online course delivery, and investigating the integration of emerging technologies in educational contexts.
Methodological Innovation
Advancing HCI research methodologies through innovative approaches to user experience evaluation, including animal-centered design principles and healthcare applications of HCI methods.
Future-Focused Research
Exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence with user experience design, investigating ChatGPT's impact on user interactions, and developing ethical AI frameworks for educational applications.
Combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide comprehensive insights into user behavior and technology adoption patterns.
Employing comprehensive UCD methodologies that prioritize user needs, contexts, and cultural considerations throughout the design process.
Conducting rigorous empirical studies to validate research hypotheses and ensure the practical applicability of research outcomes.
Implementing cyclical design processes that incorporate continuous user feedback and refinement based on empirical evidence.
Conducting systematic analysis of cultural factors that influence technology adoption and user interface preferences.
Developing and applying ethical frameworks for AI integration in educational and research contexts, ensuring responsible technology deployment.
2014-2018 | Auckland University of Technology
Title: "User Interface Guidelines for Tablet PC Arabic Educational Applications"
Employed a comprehensive mixed-method approach combining quantitative usability metrics with qualitative insights from Arabic-speaking participants. The research utilized iterative design processes, cultural dimension analysis, and extensive user testing across multiple demographic groups to ensure the validity and applicability of the proposed guidelines.
2023-Present | NZQRI & Te Pūkenga
Leading research on ChatGPT's impact on user experience and developing the EduFlex Framework for AI-enhanced online learning environments.
2023 | IEEE Conference Publication
Investigating programming models, security vulnerabilities, and usability aspects of ESP8266 and ESP32 platforms for IoT development.
2021-2022 | WelTec Grant Funded ($5,300)
Designing an offline disaster management mobile application addressing critical communication needs during emergency situations, with focus on New Zealand's unique geographic and cultural context.
University of Hail, Saudi Arabia • 2017
Investigation of gender-specific preferences in mobile touch screen interfaces for university service sites, contributing to inclusive design principles.
University of Hail, Saudi Arabia • 2015
Groundbreaking research integrating cultural theories with technology acceptance models, establishing foundational frameworks for cross-cultural HCI.
WelTec Grant • 2023
Current AI integration research in educational platforms
WelTec Grant • 2022
UCD methods application in animal-centered design contexts
WelTec Grant • 2021
iAWHINA offline disaster management mobile app development
Multiple AUT Grants • 2013-2018
Arabic tablet PC usability, summer research awards, clinical consultation UX
AGI Educational Grant • 2020
Formative assessment framework using educational gaming approaches
Al-Sa'di, A., & Al-Samarraie, H. (2022). Advances in Human-Computer Interaction, 2022, 1–8.
DOI: 10.1155/2022/5492230 • Comprehensive Delphi study establishing validated guidelines for Arabic interface design
Al-sa'di, A., & Miller, D. (2023). International Journal on Technology, Innovation, and Management (IJTIM), 3(1), 1–8.
DOI: 10.54489/ijtim.v3i1.195 • First comprehensive study on ChatGPT's UX implications
Al-Sa'di, A., Yamjal, P., Ahmad, E., Panjabi, R., Allott McPhee, C., & Guler, O. (2023). Administrative Sciences, 13(9), 208.
DOI: 10.3390/admsci13090208 • Interdisciplinary research on educator assessment methodologies
Al-Sa'di, A., & Khrypko, Y. (2024). 2024 9th International Conference on Business and Industrial Research (ICBIR), IEEE.
Latest research on adaptive online learning frameworks and user experience optimization
Litayem, N., & Al-Sa'di, A. (2023). 2023 IEEE 3rd International Conference on Computer Systems (ICCS), IEEE.
DOI: 10.1109/ICCS59700.2023.10335558 • Comprehensive IoT platform security and usability analysis
Develop comprehensive ethical frameworks for AI integration in educational platforms, focusing on transparency, bias mitigation, and cultural sensitivity.
Expand the EduFlex framework to include adaptive learning pathways, real-time personalization, and cross-cultural learning analytics.
Investigate how cultural backgrounds influence user interactions with AI systems, particularly focusing on conversational AI and educational chatbots.
Establish internationally recognized standards for cross-cultural HCI design, with particular focus on Arabic-speaking populations and emerging markets.
Develop intelligent systems that automatically adapt user interfaces and educational content based on cultural preferences and learning styles.
Establish a dedicated research center focusing on cross-cultural HCI research, fostering international collaborations and training programs.
Seeking collaborations with international universities for cross-cultural HCI research and AI ethics studies.
Open to partnerships with technology companies developing culturally-aware AI and educational technology platforms.
Actively pursuing opportunities for international research grants and collaborative funding initiatives.
Role: Chair & Event Manager
Responsibility: Programme design, speaker coordination, and national event delivery
Role: Primary Contact & Strategic Advisor
Responsibility: Policy development for Quality Evaluation 2026
Role: Strategic Research Coordinator
Responsibility: Institution-wide PBRF readiness and staff preparation
Role: Founder & Lead Organizer
Responsibility: Research excellence recognition and promotion
Open to research collaborations, joint funding opportunities, and academic partnerships