Shital Desai
PhD
Dr. Shital Desai is an Associate Professor of Interaction Design at York University and the York Research Chair in Accessible Interaction Design. A leading expert in Human-Centered Systems Design, she specializes in accessible and inclusive design to address societal challenges and improve quality of life, especially with emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality and AI.
As head of the Social and Technological Systems (SaTS) lab, supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Dr. Desai engages with diverse communities—including rural and urban populations, immigrants, people with disabilities, healthcare practitioners and Indigenous groups—to co-design and co-create inclusive solutions. Her research spans assistive technologies for aging and dementia, adaptive technologies, wearable technologies, tele-wellness, remote rehabilitation, interaction modalities, and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Dr. Desai co-leads the Connected Minds Training Committee, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration among emerging researchers. Dr. Desai actively contributes to global health policies through the WHO’s Dementia Knowledge Exchange and has been recognized with awards like the AMPD Dean’s Research Award and the Petro Canada Young Innovator Award. Dedicated to mentorship, equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration, she champions sustainable design and innovative practices to foster a more accessible and inclusive future.