I am a UX professional

Scaling AI requires deep trust.
I research the nuances that make intelligent systems feel human.

Dorsa Charkhian - AI & UX Researcher

About Me

Applied UX Researcher specializing in human-centered AI and accessibility

I'm an Applied UX Researcher with over four years of experience specializing in human-centered AI and accessibility. My work is focused on a very specific mission: identifying usability and trust issues in AI and chatbot products before teams scale their operations.

My interest in research is rooted in the process of strategic evaluation and mentorship. I find immense fulfillment in guiding teams, critiquing complex systems, and providing the deep-dive feedback necessary to refine a product's vision. Whether I'm teaching graduate students at Pratt Institute or reviewing high-impact HCI research for ACM TOCHI, I thrive on the "detective work" of ensuring technology is both rigorous and reliable.

I believe that the most successful AI products aren't just intelligent—they are the ones that have earned user trust through meticulous testing and inclusive design.

Outside of work, I'm a dedicated mentor on ADPList. I'm passionate about helping other researchers find clarity in their strategies and advocating for technology that responds to human diversity with genuine care.

Core Competencies

With a rich background in user experience, I have developed a diverse skill set that encompasses qualitative user research, data analysis, and the implementation of UX designs.

Heuristic Evaluation User Testing Usability Testing Information Architecture Qualitative User Experience Research

Resume

Professional experience in AI & UX Research

Advisory & Leadership

Distinguished Reviewer

ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction (TOCHI)

Official Mentor

DIFC Innovation Hub – Ignyte (AI Ethics & Inclusive UX)

Chair Volunteer

UXPA International

Official Mentor

ADPList (UX Mentorship Program)

Featured Projects

UX/UI projects showcasing AI integration, cultural design, and social impact

Research & Publications

Exploring the future of AI-human interaction

My research lies at the intersection of User Experience (UX), Human-AI Interaction (HAI), and Inclusive Design, addressing two broad themes:

(1) designing AI-supported academic and public service systems that adapt to users' language proficiency, cultural expectations, and digital literacy, and

(2) developing human-centered frameworks that enhance accessibility, trust, and emotional intelligence in digital environments.

For a full list of my publications, please visit one of the platforms below:

Peer Review

I serve as a peer reviewer for the following venues and publications:

AI & SOCIETY (Springer Nature)
International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education (ETHE) – SpringerOpen
UXPA International Conference – Reviewer & Topic Chair (Emerging Technologies)

Teaching

Empowering the next generation of UX designers and researchers

I teach UX design and emerging technologies, creating inclusive, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students to design for diverse users in immersive and AI-powered environments.

Academic Positions

Pratt Institute, School of Information

Visiting Assistant Professor

Aug 2025 – Jan 2026
Key Responsibilities:
  • Teach INFO 680-01 Extended Reality: UX & AR/VR, a graduate course on UX principles and interaction design for immersive environments
  • Lead in-person sessions on Unity, A-Frame, XR interface design, usability testing, and AR/VR application evaluation
  • Mentor graduate students on applying UX research and design methods to extended reality projects
  • Focus on accessibility and inclusivity in immersive technology design
Drexel University

User Experience Design Teacher Assistant

Sep 2023 – Jun 2025
Key Responsibilities:
  • Led interactive sessions and feedback workshops
  • Mentored students on UX/UI design principles
  • Reviewed and provided constructive feedback on student projects
  • Improved UX/UI course delivery and student outcomes

Let's Connect

Ready to collaborate on your next AI-powered project?