Ann Austin

Ann Austin is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science within the School of Computing and Engineering at the University of West London. She completed her doctoral thesis at the University of West London in 2018, titled 'The differing profiles of the human-computer interaction professional: perceptions of practice, cognitive preferences and the impact on HCI education.'

Dr. Austin's research focuses on the intersection of human-computer interaction, cognitive psychology, and education. Her primary research interests include Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience Design, Cognitive Styles in HCI, Cross-Cultural Studies in HCI, and HCI education methodologies. She has conducted extensive research on how cognitive styles impact both the practice and teaching of HCI, with particular attention to cultural differences in educational settings.

Her publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on understanding the professional identity of HCI practitioners, the alignment between educational preparation and industry needs, and the impact of cognitive and cultural factors on learning and practice. Austin's work often involves international collaborations, particularly with researchers from India and other culturally diverse contexts, examining how cultural backgrounds influence HCI education and professional practice.

Through her research, Austin has contributed significantly to understanding how cognitive styles affect usability and user experience, and how educational approaches can be tailored to accommodate diverse learning preferences. Her work on tutorial systems and targeted learning support demonstrates practical applications of her theoretical research.