Assistant Professor, Gazi University, Turkey.
Dr. Ezgi İlhan is a dynamic academic, designer, and researcher specializing in user experience, gamification, and human-computer interaction. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Gazi University, Ankara, she brings interdisciplinary expertise rooted in industrial design, gaming technologies, and interaction design. Her academic contributions bridge creative design and analytical research, positioning her as a thought leader in technology-driven design methodologies. 🎮📱🎓
Professional Profile
Google Scholar
🎓 Education
Dr. İlhan earned her Ph.D. in Industrial Design from Gazi University (2015–2021), preceded by an M.Sc. in Game Technologies from Middle East Technical University (2012–2015). She also holds a Bachelor’s in Industrial Design and previously studied City and Regional Planning at METU. Her international academic journey includes Erasmus studies at Universidad de Valladolid, Spain, and high academic distinctions in high school and university. 🎓🇹🇷🇪🇸
💼 Experience
With extensive teaching roles at Gazi University, METU, TOBB ETU, and Ostim Technical University, Dr. İlhan has instructed across courses such as product design, computer-aided design, and user research. Her industry experience spans game design at Pixofun, product design at Journey, and graphic design at METU. She has also served in key academic administrative roles and actively participated in global conferences. 🧑🏫🎮🖥️
🔬 Research Interests
Her research focuses on user experience design, gamification, eye-tracking, human-computer interaction, and mobile app prototyping. She explores the intersection of design aesthetics and data-driven insights using cutting-edge tools like eye-tracking and usability testing, enhancing technological engagement and behavioral understanding. 🧠👁️📊
🏆 Awards
Dr. İlhan is a recipient of multiple design accolades, including the European Product Design Award (2021) and a Muse Design Silver Award in the Office Furniture category. She also holds academic prizes like the METU High Honor Student designation and international certificates in design and language. 🏅🖋️🏆
📚 Top Noted Publications
🔗 Design approaches to improve user experience: An example of a mobile app prototyping process — International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 2025
Cited in UX modeling studies for mobile interface designs.
🔗 Use of eye-tracking technology for appreciation-based information in design decisions — Multimedia Tools and Applications, 2023
Referenced in product detail behavior analysis literature.
🔗 Pursuit of methodology for data input related to taste in design — Displays, 2023
Cited in aesthetic judgment and visual preference research.
🔗 Improving sleep-wake behaviors using mobile app gamification — Entertainment Computing, 2022
Widely cited in digital health behavior studies.
🔗 Eye-tracking to enhance usability: A race game — Advances in Intelligent Systems, 2019
Cited in serious gaming and usability evaluation papers.
Conclusion
Dr. Ezgi İlhan’s robust portfolio combining cutting-edge research, international academic exposure, creative innovation, and impactful design solutions makes her a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her ability to bridge academia and industry, and her contribution to enhancing user interaction through evidence-based design and gamification, stands out as a unique strength. With continued momentum in global collaboration and publication, Dr. İlhan is poised to shape the future of interdisciplinary design research. 🏆📐🌐