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dishita turakhia

HCI Researcher | Computational Designer | Architect

I am a 5th-year Ph.D. candidate in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) dept. at MIT with a research focus in Human-Computer Interaction (with a minor in Brain and Cognitive Science). My research is advised by  Prof. Stefanie Mueller (MIT CSAIL) and Prof. Kayla DesPortes (NYU). 


My Ph.D. research is at the intersection of system design and learning sciences, specifically focused on building systems for self-learning of skills, such as motor skills, fabrication skills, and maker skills. I have also worked on interdisciplinary projects in design and XR systems at the Meta Reality Labs as a Research Scientist Intern (2022).


I am part of the EECS Rising Stars cohort (2022-23) and a recipient of the Meta (Facebook) Ph.D. Research Fellowship (2022-24) and the MIT Edwin S. Webster Graduate Fellowship (2018). My research is supported by several grants, including two National Science Foundation (NSF Career, NSF Small) grants, three MIT Integrated Learning Initiative (1, 2, 3) grants, and a J-WEL Education Innovation grant. I am also a SERC scholar (2022) and a Grace Hopper scholar (2018).


Prior to starting my Ph.D. , I received a dual master's degree in EECS (MS) and Architecture (SMArchS computation) from MIT (2017), in addition to masters (MSc) in Emergent Technology and Design (EmTech) from the AA School of Architecture (2011). Besides academic research, I have worked in the industry as a computational designer in London, Singapore, and Bern, and as a licensed architect in Mumbai, where I also co-led my design firm, ArchitextureBuro. 


email: dishita[at]mit[dot]edu

office: 32 Vassar St, Cambridge, MA 02139 (Map)

CV [PDF] | Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Twitter | TEDx Talk  |  Portfolio (PDF) 


HCI RESEARCH: LEARNER-CENTRIC Systems for Skill-learning

In the last decade, the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has made significant strides in designing systems that support the learning of physical skills. These systems aim to lower the entry barrier for beginners and provide support in acquiring skills such as motor skills, fabrication, circuit prototyping, and design. However, there is a need to reorient the design of these systems around the learner, the educator, and the learning processes instead of centering them solely around enabling technologies. My research, at the intersection of system design, learning sciences, and technologies, aims to challenge this techno-centric approach by designing learner-centric HCI systems for skill learning. 

ADAPTIVE LEARNING OF MOTOR SKILLS

One approach to support autodidactic learning is through adaptive learning, which involves adapting the difficulty of training tasks according to the learner's skill levels. By maintaining the difficulty at an optimal challenge point, learners have the highest potential for skill acquisition. In my research, I have utilized the framework of adaptive learning to design physical tools that support the learning of motor skills.  User studies showed that adaptive learning led to statistically significant higher learning gains compared to static and manually adaptive methods. I am expanding this work for skill learning in augmented reality to enhance the learners' performances by adapting task difficulty in real time. 

Physical Tools that Adapt their Shape based on Learner's Performance Help in Motor-Skills Training

Adapt2Learn: A Toolkit for Configuring the Learning Algorithm for Adaptive Physical Tools for Motor

Adapt2Learn: A Toolkit for Configuring the Learning Algorithm for Adaptive Physical Tools for Motor

In Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction (ACM TEI '21), Feb 14-19, 2021, Virtual Event, USA. 


DOI | PDF | Video | Project | Talk | News

Adapt2Learn: A Toolkit for Configuring the Learning Algorithm for Adaptive Physical Tools for Motor

Adapt2Learn: A Toolkit for Configuring the Learning Algorithm for Adaptive Physical Tools for Motor

Adapt2Learn: A Toolkit for Configuring the Learning Algorithm for Adaptive Physical Tools for Motor

 In Designing Interactive Systems Conference 2021 (ACM DIS ’21), June 28-July2, 2021, Virtual Event, USA.  


 DOI | PDF | Project | Video | Talk 

Designing Adaptive Tools for Motor Skill Training in Augmented Reality

Adapt2Learn: A Toolkit for Configuring the Learning Algorithm for Adaptive Physical Tools for Motor

Designing Adaptive Tools for Motor Skill Training in Augmented Reality

[Under Submission] 

REFLECTIVE LEARNING OF MAKERSKILLS

Reflection is a powerful learning tool that allows learners to analyze successful and unsuccessful attempts at a task, leading to a deeper understanding and improved learning outcomes. To leverage the potential of reflection for maker-skill learning, I am developing a toolkit for experts and educators to design reflection exercises for novice learners in makerspaces. This toolkit facilitates the integration of reflection prompts during fabrication activities, sensing user activities, recording reflections, and analyzing data on the learning stages. I am also extending this idea to augmented reality environments, where learners can engage in reflection-based learning through immersive experiences. 

What Can We Learn From Educators About Teaching in Makerspaces?

The Reflective Make-AR In-Action: Using Augmented Reality for Reflective Learning of Makerskills

The Reflective Make-AR In-Action: Using Augmented Reality for Reflective Learning of Makerskills

In journal for  Educational Technology Research and Development - Special issue on makerspaces (ETRD'23) 


 DOI | PDF 

The Reflective Make-AR In-Action: Using Augmented Reality for Reflective Learning of Makerskills

The Reflective Make-AR In-Action: Using Augmented Reality for Reflective Learning of Makerskills

The Reflective Make-AR In-Action: Using Augmented Reality for Reflective Learning of Makerskills

[Poster] In Human Factors in Computing 2023 (ACM CHI ’23), April29-May5, 2023, Hamburg, Germany.

  

 DOI | PDF

The Reflective Maker: Using Reflection to Support Skill-learning in Makerspaces

The Reflective Make-AR In-Action: Using Augmented Reality for Reflective Learning of Makerskills

The Reflective Maker: Using Reflection to Support Skill-learning in Makerspaces

[Poster] In User Interface Software and Technology 2022 (ACM UIST ’22), Oct, 2022, Bend, Oregon, USA.  


 DOI | PDF

GAME-BASED LEARNING OF CREATIVE SKILLS

Games have proven to be engaging and effective tools for teaching various subjects to young learners. However, their potential for teaching fabrication skills, such as laser cutting and 3D printing, has not been fully explored. To address this, I have developed a framework for integrating fabrication events within existing video games. This framework utilizes computer vision techniques to detect and tag fabrication events, generating fabrication files for game objects. Through user studies, I have demonstrated the potential of using games to make the learning of fabrication skills engaging and enjoyable for young learners. 

Reimagining Systems for Learning Hands-on Creative Skills

Identifying Game Mechanics for Integrating Fabrication Activities within Existing Digital Games

FabO: Integrating Fabrication with a Player's Gameplay in Existing Digital Games

[Workshop] In Human Factors in Computing 2022 (ACM CHI ’22), April29-May5, 2022, New Orleans, LA, USA.   


 DOI | PDF | Website

FabO: Integrating Fabrication with a Player's Gameplay in Existing Digital Games

Identifying Game Mechanics for Integrating Fabrication Activities within Existing Digital Games

FabO: Integrating Fabrication with a Player's Gameplay in Existing Digital Games

 In Creativity and Cognition Conference 2021 (ACM C&C ’21), June 22-July23, 2021, Virtual Event, USA.  


 DOI | PDF | Project | Talk 

Identifying Game Mechanics for Integrating Fabrication Activities within Existing Digital Games

Identifying Game Mechanics for Integrating Fabrication Activities within Existing Digital Games

Identifying Game Mechanics for Integrating Fabrication Activities within Existing Digital Games

In Human Factors in Computing 2022 (ACM CHI ’22), April29-May5, 2022, New Orleans, LA, USA.


 DOI | PDF | Project | Talk 

PRior RESEARCH (COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN)

Thirteen Ways of Looking

Thirteen Ways of Looking

Thirteen Ways of Looking

 Can creative thinking be computational? Investigating aspects of human intelligence that enable creativity. 


PDF | Project

sketchCAD

Thirteen Ways of Looking

Thirteen Ways of Looking

Using machine learning to automate the mundane parts of architecture drafting for increased efficiency.


PDF 

Minimalision

Thirteen Ways of Looking

Hand in Glove

 How can we use sensor technology to detect distractions and block them?


Project 

Hand in Glove

Sketching with Machines

Hand in Glove

 Using sensor based gloves to track glass blower artist's gestures during creation of an artifact  


PDF | Project 

Silent Game

Sketching with Machines

Sketching with Machines

 Building computational models of social cognition and visual communication 


PDF | Project 

Sketching with Machines

Sketching with Machines

Sketching with Machines

Fabricating a 2-axis sketching tool and exploring sketching techniques


PDF | Project 

Neuroscience and Spatial Cognition

Neuroscience and Spatial Cognition

Neuroscience and Spatial Cognition

Studying the neuroscience of spatial cognition in architectural design


PDF | Project 

Dynamic Tensegrity Structures

Neuroscience and Spatial Cognition

Neuroscience and Spatial Cognition

 Using irregular Tensegrity habitable structures in slums of Mumbai 


PDF | Project 

Computational Creativity

Neuroscience and Spatial Cognition

Computational Creativity

Using a generative algorithm is explore the design space of irregular tensegrity systems


Project 

teaching

Courses

Workshops (Computational Design)

Workshops (Computational Design)

  • 6.034 Intro to Artificial Intelligence, MIT
  • 6.928 Leading Creative Teams, MIT 
  • 6.810 Embedded Interactive Technology, MIT 
  • Digital Design, KRVIA, Mumbai University

Workshops (Computational Design)

Workshops (Computational Design)

Workshops (Computational Design)

  •  Spatial Cognition in Design, Aalto Uni.
  • Para-centric I, Bhartiya Vidyapeeth University, Mumbai
  • Para-centric II, Mumbai University, Mumbai

Workshops (Entrepreneurship)

Workshops (Computational Design)

Workshops (Entrepreneurship)

  • MIT-Global Startup Lab Mentor, Mauritius (2017)
  • Volunteer mentor for CanopyCity accelerator, Somerville(2017)

talks, RECOGNITION and outreach

TEDx + Podcasts

Outreach (Committees)

Conference Talks

  • TEDx BeaconSt Speaker (2017) 
  • Podcasts on Artificial Intelligence (2017)

Conference Talks

Outreach (Committees)

Conference Talks

  •  Talk on Spatial Cognition at ANFA Conference (2016) 
  • Design lead for SketchCAD, DesignX Accelerator, MIT(2016)


Outreach (Committees)

Outreach (Committees)

Outreach (Committees)

  • 2020, MIT Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
  • 2019, MIT Graduate Women in Course 6 (GW6) 
  • 2019, Graduate Women at MIT (GWAMIT)
  • 2019, New England Grad Women in STEM and Engineering (NEGWISE)


MIT BLOGS

Away from MIT, with a slice of MIT

My experience with MISTI Global Startup Labs | Blog Link

I had just found my new home at MIT, but a home isn't home unless there is family. And in ... 

Curioser and curiouser

Why being at MIT is like being Alice in Wonderland | Blog Link

On my first day of grad school. I drank a magic potion from the fire-hose! And there I went ...

The Infinite Corridor

How the design of MIT represents its philosophy | Blog Link 

“How do I get to MIT?” I asked. It was a sunny afternoon with a crisp fall breeze. I was only ...

To MIT, with Love

 On the value of pursuing your dreams | Blog Link 

 “… you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future…”

Connect

I am always looking for research and entrepreneurial opportunities related to design, emerging technologies, or HCI. Looking to connect with other curious minds to initiate innovative projects! 


Contact: dishita[at]mit[dot]edu


Copyright © 2017 Dishita Turakhia - All Rights Reserved.