Ellen Ayoob

Committed to mentoring the next generation in the dynamic field of human-computer interaction, Ellen Ayoob serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor and Program Director for the Master of Integrated Innovation for Products and Services at Carnegie Mellon University's Integrated Innovation Institute. With a career spanning over two decades across academia, industry, and the nonprofit sector, Ellen brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her role. Ellen's passion lies in human-centered design, driven by the belief that technology should fundamentally enhance user experiences. Her research interests focus on human-computer interaction and user experience design, where she employs a variety of research and design methods to deeply understand users and develop actionable design strategies that are both innovative and practical. Before her tenure at Carnegie Mellon, Ellen held significant positions at the Creative Nonfiction Foundation, the Human Computer Interaction Institute, and the Software Engineering Institute. These roles allowed her to refine her expertise in integrating design thinking with technological advancements, contributing to her holistic approach to education and innovation. In addition to her academic and professional endeavors, Ellen has been actively involved with AIGA, the professional association for design, where she has served as both vice president and president. Her leadership in this capacity underscores her commitment to advancing the field of design and fostering a community of practice among design professionals. Ellen is also a seasoned presenter, having shared her insights and research findings at numerous conferences. Her presentations often focus on the intersection of design, technology, and user experience, offering valuable perspectives to audiences eager to explore the future of human-computer interaction. At Carnegie Mellon, Ellen is dedicated to cultivating an environment where students can thrive, encouraging them to push the boundaries of innovation while maintaining a strong focus on user-centric design. Her commitment to education and her students' success is evident in her teaching philosophy, which emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Through her work, Ellen Ayoob continues to inspire and guide the next generation of innovators, ensuring that they are well-equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.