I’m Rakesh Patibanda, a Senior Researcher working at the intersection of HCI, UX, emerging technology, and human behaviour.

Over the past decade, I have led mixed-methods research across academia and industry, turning complex qualitative and quantitative evidence into product, design, and research strategy. My work spans UX, HCI, wearable systems, bodily interaction, playful technologies, and emerging interfaces.

What I do

Mixed-methods research
I design and lead research programmes that combine qualitative depth with quantitative rigour, from interviews and workshops to large-scale behavioural analysis and in-the-wild studies.

Human-centred design strategy
I translate research into action, helping organisations improve products, services, and user journeys through clearer decisions and stronger evidence.

Emerging technology and embodied interaction
My research explores how technologies such as wearables, EMS, AR/VR, and interactive systems can shape bodily experience, agency, play, and well-being.

Selected impact

• Led research and design work at RMIT that improved student satisfaction, reduced process friction, and saved over 1,000 faculty hours annually.
• Revitalised core engagement systems at 7 Cups, increasing engagement by 50 % and daily active users by 22 %.
• Co-led and contributed to funded research programmes across Monash and international collaborations in human-computer integration and wearable technology.
• Published widely in top HCI venues, including CHI, DIS, TEI, and CHI PLAY, with international talks at Cambridge, UCL, Nottingham, and Waterloo.