Dr. Shital Desai

Human Computer Interaction, Human Centred Design, Human Centred AI, Systems Design, , Ageing and Technology, Designing for Children and Youth, Health and Wellbeing; Planetary Health

Dr. Shital Desai is an Associate Professor of Interaction Design in the School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design and the York Research Chair in Accessible Interaction Design at York University. She directs the Social and Technological Systems (SaTS) Lab, where her community-engaged research focuses on designing accessible technologies for marginalized groups—including people with physical and cognitive impairments, older adults, children, and individuals on the autism spectrum. Her work examines how technologies can support everyday activities, communication, and relational closeness by understanding people’s needs, habits, and rituals, and by adapting to these dynamic contexts of use.

Her research explores how emerging technologies such as eXtended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be designed to meet these needs through participatory design and human- and system-centred approaches, advancing inclusive and adaptive solutions that reduce barriers and foster accessibility. She co-leads a Connected Minds Teams Grant with Dr. Claire Davies, advancing inclusive communication for people with disabilities across care, education, and workplace contexts. Her research is also supported by multiple grants, including NSERC Discovery and CFI.

With nearly 30 years of combined academic and industry experience in Design and Engineering, Dr. Desai integrates STEAM principles into design research, education, and practice. She contributes expertise as a member of the WHO Dementia Knowledge Exchange peer review network and serves as Vice-Lead of the Training Committee for the Connected Minds program. Her contributions have been recognized through several awards, including the President’s Emerging Research Leadership Award (PERLA, 2024), the AMPD Research Award (2021–22), the York Research Award (2022–23), and the Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award (2023).

Research Assistants

Dohyoung Kim, EECS Undergraduate, York University

Projects: Dementia and Technology: Cogniprompt

Rachel Remesat, Digital Media Graduate MA, York University

Counter Mapping, Relational Communication

Projects: Dementia and Technology

Syed Haider, EECS Undergraduate, York University

Dementia and Technology: Cogniprompt

Computer Vision, Augmented Reality, Human-Centred AI, Embedded Systems, Assistive Health Technologies, Anomaly Detection, Wearable and Immersive Technologies, Health and Wellbeing, Human Computer Interaction, Applied Machine Learning, Systems Design

Graduate Students

Rachel Remesat,

MA, Digital Media, York University

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Esther Brainin,

MA Interdisciplinary Program, York University

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Rupsha Mutsuddi,

PhD Global Health, York University

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Rupsha's work focuses on Human-Centred Design to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia in global communities. Her master of design thesis focused on building supportive technologies in augmented reality to help people living with dementia with their daily rituals which was supported by a prestigious SSHRC grant. She has worked for a diverse array of clients in government, healthcare, non-profit, and clean beauty space, including the Detox Market, Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region, and the Ontario Public Health Association. With an interdisciplinary approach and an empathetic mindset, she develops meaningful solutions and strives to shape a better future through design education, research and practice.

Modje Kalantari,

PhD, Digital Media, York University

Research keywords: Virtual Reality, Digital Storytelling, Human Centered Design, Cancer

Mojde Kalantari is a multidisciplinary media artist and researcher exploring the intersections of digital storytelling, health, and technology. Her research investigates the use of virtual reality to support mental health among cancer patients. She holds a Master of Science in Creative Technologies from Illinois State University, where her thesis received first place in the Faculty of Fine Arts and was named first runner-up at the university level.

Meghana Sharma,

PhD, STS, York University

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Her research examines how science, technology and policy intersect in the context of urban planning, energy transitions and environmental conservation. She engages with the tensions between innovation, regulation, and public participation, especially in the introduction of new technologies, across these contexts. She is also involved in civic initiatives in science communication, contributing to projects that bridge research and community engagement.

She has experience in policy, nonprofit fundraising and university administration. Before coming to York, she completed a Masters in Literature and Modernity from the University of Edinburgh, and a Bachelors from Lady Shri Ram College at the University of Delhi. She is a former Young India Fellow.

Shabnam Sukhdev,

PhD, Theatre, York University

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