Karsten Nebe

Karsten Nebe is a Professor of Usability Engineering and Digital Manufacturing at the Faculty of Communication and Environment, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kamp-Lintfort, Germany. He has held this position since 2011 and also serves as the Program Director of the Master's program in Usability Engineering and Director of FabLab Kamp-Lintfort, one of the world's largest makerspaces.

His academic background includes a doctorate in Computer Science with a minor in Psychology, focusing on the integration of software engineering and usability engineering in business processes.

His research lies at the intersection of usability engineering, human-centered design, digital manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and innovation management. Key areas include user-centered development of interactive systems, maturity models for UX in enterprises, innovative human-machine interaction concepts, computational fabrication, and AI integration in software development. He also leads research in cross-innovation and sustainable design methodologies.

His recent publications reflect a strong trend toward integrating human factors into assistive systems, evaluating ergonomic standards (DIN/ISO), and exploring AI’s role in human-centered development. He actively contributes to international standardization through DIN and ISO, particularly in usability and human-centered design domains.

• Best Student Paper Award (2023, Proceedings Healthcare and Medical Devices)
• 2nd Best Paper Award (2021, Fab16 Research Papers Stream)

Prof. Nebe regularly supervises bachelor's and master's theses and leads collaborative research and contract innovation projects with industry. He offers consulting and training in human-centered design, design thinking, strategic UX integration, and AI-supported software development. He is deeply involved in practical collaborations, including contract research and innovation projects focused on technical prototyping in mechanics, electronics, and manufacturing.

He leads the FabLab Kamp-Lintfort, a central facility supporting students and the community with access to modern fabrication technologies. He also co-founded the Cross Innovation Lab - Lower Rhine, fostering interdisciplinary innovation. The lab supports workshops, open access prototyping, and volunteer engagement in digital fabrication.