Gazi University | Turkey
Dr. Ezgi İlhan, born on June 7, 1985, in Ankara, is an accomplished academic and design researcher specializing in user experience, gamification, and human-computer interaction. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Gazi University, she brings a dynamic blend of academic excellence and professional expertise across the fields of industrial design, game technologies, and digital interaction. Her extensive academic background, coupled with practical experience in game and product design, makes her a pioneering voice in the intersection of technology and design.
Professional profile👤
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Strengths for the Awards✨
Dr. Ezgi İlhan exemplifies excellence in interdisciplinary research, merging industrial design, human-computer interaction, and gamification to advance user experience design. With a stellar academic trajectory, including a Ph.D. from Gazi University (GPA: 3.98/4) and multiple degrees from prestigious institutions like Middle East Technical University and Universidad de Valladolid, her scholarly foundation is both rich and global.
Her research is consistently published in high-impact international journals, including the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies and Entertainment Computing, with a strong focus on eye-tracking technologies, usability, and mobile app design. Dr. İlhan has over a decade of teaching and research experience, having worked at several top universities like Gazi University, METU, and Atılım University, where she has taught a wide range of courses from basic design to gamified systems.
In addition to academia, she brings hands-on industry experience as a game designer and product designer, giving her research practical relevance. Her awards, including the Muse Design Award (Silver Winner) and European Product Design Award, further validate her innovation and design impact. She also actively participates in global conferences and workshops, which reflects her commitment to continuous learning and dissemination of knowledge.
🎓 Education
Dr. İlhan’s academic journey reflects a passion for interdisciplinary exploration and excellence. She earned her Ph.D. in Industrial Design from Gazi University (2015–2021) with an impressive GPA of 3.98/4. Her M.Sc. in Game Technologies was completed at the Informatics Institute, Middle East Technical University (2012–2015), earning a GPA of 3.79/4. She previously obtained her Bachelor’s in Industrial Design (2006–2009) and City and Regional Planning (2003–2006) at the same university, with additional Erasmus training in Spain (2008–2009). She graduated high school from Dr. Binnaz-Rıdvan Ege Anatolian High School with honors.
💼 Experience
With over a decade of academic and professional experience, Dr. İlhan has held key teaching positions at Gazi University, Middle East Technical University, TOBB ETU, and Ostim Technical University. Her academic portfolio includes courses on computer-aided design, user research methods, and competition-oriented product design. Earlier in her career, she worked as a game designer at Pixofun and a product designer at Journey. Her well-rounded journey also includes design internships and graphic work for institutional branding at METU.
Dr. İlhan’s research is rooted in user-centered innovation, focusing on areas such as user experience (UX) design, human-computer interaction (HCI), interface usability, gamification, and design-tool integration. Her work explores how emerging technologies can enhance daily interactions, improve behavioral outcomes (e.g., sleep patterns), and inform taste-based design decisions through advanced tools like eye-tracking. Her research uniquely blends psychological insight with technical and aesthetic finesse.
🏆 Awards & Recognitions
Dr. İlhan’s innovative work has earned her multiple accolades, including the European Product Design Award (MECON, 2021) in the Office Equipment category and the Muse Design Award Silver Winner in Furniture/Office Furniture. She has also received multiple honors during her academic career such as METU High Honor and Honor Student awards, and certificates from international training and academic institutions, reflecting both academic and professional excellence.
📚 Publications
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Pursuit of Methodology for Data Input Related to Taste in Design: Using Eye Tracking Technology
Authors: AE Ilhan, A Togay
Year: 2023
Citations: 15
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Improving Sleep-Wake Behaviors Using Mobile App Gamification
Authors: AE Ilhan, B Sener, H Hacihabiboglu
Year: 2022
Citations: 13
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Use of Eye-Tracking Technology for Appreciation-Based Information in Design Decisions Related to Product Details: Furniture Example
Authors: AE Ilhan, A Togay
Year: 2024
Citations: 11
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Use of Eye Tracking Technology in Evaluating Product Images and Optimal Process Decisions
Authors: E İlhan, A Togay
Year: 2020
Citations: 4
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Eye-Tracking to Enhance Usability: A Race Game
Authors: AE İlhan
Year: 2019
Citations: 3
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Short-Term Modification of Sleep-Wake Habits by Gamification: A User Study
Authors: AE İlhan
Year: 2015
Citations: 2
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Mobilya Ürün Örneği Üzerinden Estetik Beğeninin Değerlendirilmesi için Yöntem Arayışı
Authors: E Ilhan, A Togay, S Güneş, NAGZ Börekçi
Year: 2022
Citations: 1*
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Design Approaches to Improve User Experience: An Example of a Mobile App Prototyping Process
Authors: AE Ilhan
Year: 2025
Citations: Not listed
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Design Stages of a Cultural Product
Authors: E Ilhan
Year: 2022
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Ürünlerin Estetik Beğeni Odaklı Değerlendirilmesinde Göz İzleme Teknolojisinin Kullanımı-Bir Araştırma Önerisi
Authors: AE İlhan, A Togay
Year: 2020
✅ Conclusion
Dr. Ezgi İlhan is a trailblazer in the integration of design, technology, and user-centered methodology. Her academic brilliance, industry-oriented skills, and international exposure render her a compelling nominee for any prestigious research or design award. Her contributions resonate across disciplines, from enhancing daily interactions through gamification to advancing usability science. She continues to inspire with her passion, creativity, and commitment to impactful design innovation.
