LUX – Lapland User Experience Research Group

Professor

Faculty of Art and Design

Jonna Häkkilä, the leader of LUX research group, is professor for Industrial Design at the University of Lapland and docent for computer science at University of Oulu. She has earlier ramped up and led research teams at University of Oulu (2012-2014), and Nokia Research Center (2007-2011). She has published 120+ peer reviewed scientific papers on HCI and has received research grants from Horizon 2020, Academy of Finland, Interreg, and Tekes/Business Finland addressing user centric and future oriented research at the cross-section of design and technology. Her research group’s works have been exhibited e.g. in Milan Design Week 2016 and 2017, New York 2018, and awarded at ISWC 2016 and 2018.

University Researcher

Faculty of Art and Design

Ashley Colley is a docent and university researcher at the University of Lapland, Finland. Having more than 25 years professional industry experience, including almost 10 years as a Principal Designer in Nokia; he has lead design projects that formed the core of more than 50 million shipped products and is the inventor of more than 30 patents/applications. He has co-authored 80+ peer-reviewed research papers. Colley is a co-founder of Oura Health (www.ouraring.com), where he was instrumental in the initial development of their successful sleep and activity tracking ring.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Faculty of Art and Design

Zhengya Gong serves as a postdoctoral researcher in the Faculty of Art and Design, University of Lapland, Finland. She earned her PhD with distinction (major computer science) from the University of Oulu in 2024. Her research is on Extended Reality (XR), Human-Computer Interaction, Design Creativity, Creative Methods, Design Cognition, Design Thinking, and the Cultural Influence on Design.

Project Manager

Faculty of Art and Design

Amna Qureshi is a postdoctoral researcher at the Faculty of Art & Design, University of Lapland, where she earned her Doctor of Arts (PhD, Pass with Distinction). She also serves as Project Manager for an innovative Sámi-focused initiative. Her expertise spans visual design thinking, visual literacy, arts-based research, cultural heritage digitisation, and sustainable materials, with a focus on participatory methods that support inclusive storytelling, cultural sustainability, and ethical design. As an Arctic Six Fellow (2025–2026), her current research investigates Sámi digital storytelling and its role in cultural identity, sustainability, and digital representation in Arctic media contexts.

University Teacher

Faculty of Art and Design

Siiri Paananen is a university teacher in design and a doctoral researcher in the Lapland User Experience Design group (LUX) at the Faculty of Art and Design, University of Lapland. Her research focuses on co-designing interactive technologies for cultural heritage, using a decolonizing design approach. She investigates how XR technologies can support storytelling in the North and create meaningful cultural experiences. She also contributes to research on the just green transition in the Arctic through participatory design. Her work combines arts and technology to create meaningful experiences grounded in local knowledge and values.

Project Manager

Faculty of Art and Design

Emma Kirjavainen is a doctoral researcher at the University of Lapland’s Faculty of Art and Design, focusing on the intersection of human-robot interaction (HRI), user experience, and design. As a member of the LUX (Lapland User Experience) research group, her research work delves into how empathy and emerging technologies can enhance human-centered design practices. In addition to her research role, Emma serves as a Project Manager at the Faculty of Art and Design. With a background in industrial and service design, her research contributes to the development of socially attuned AI technologies and innovative user experiences.

Project Manager

Faculty of Art and Design

Petra Nurmela is a doctoral researcher at the Faculty of Art and Design, University of Lapland. She works as a Project Manager for the ProtoXR project, which aims to develop design methodologies through fast prototyping and XR technology. She enjoys design projects that focus on UX research, uncovering users’ real, often hidden needs through participatory workshops, user testing, and evaluation. Currently, her primary research interest lies in virtual nature experiences and designing user experiences that promote well-being, particularly the application of XR technology to help rebuild connections with nature.

Project Manager

Faculty of Art and Design

Tommi is a Project Manager and PhD student. His research explores how motion capture technology and multimodal sensory experiences enhance user immersion and the sense of presence in VR environments.