David Hearne

David Hearne is a Lecturer in the Department of Computing at South East Technological University and serves as a Senior UX Designer/Developer in the Department of Computing and Mathematics. He is part of the compuCORE research group. His work focuses on design thinking, multi-actor approaches, and user experience in technology development.

Education:

• BSc Honours in Multimedia Applications Development from Waterford Institute of Technology (2003–2007)
• MSc in Interactive Media from University College Cork (2007–2009)

Research Interests: Dave’s research emphasizes applying design thinking to solve complex challenges, particularly in multi-actor environments such as farming communities. He explores user experience (UX) in emerging technologies like smart devices and geotagged photo apps, aiming to create human-centered solutions for agricultural contexts. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on innovation and education.

Research Output Trends: His publications address the intersection of technology and agriculture, advocating for farmer-centric approaches to on-farm experimentation and smart device applications. Recent work includes collaborations on the DEMETER project and developing tools for farming communities.

Labs/Teams: Active within compuCORE, a research cluster focused on computational and creative technologies.