Design Research · Human-Centered Design
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Oscar Solis is a Mexican + American designer and researcher based in Pilsen. His design research explores new modes of community engagement and participatory models of design. His graphic practice focuses on art book publishing, queer diagrammatic forms,and technological mediation.
He is a PhD Human Centered Design Graduate fellow at DePaul's Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, Chicago Art Department CORE studio resident, and programing council member of Co-Prosperity.
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Investigating deceptive design patterns embedded in generative AI interfaces — how they manipulate user cognition, erode trust, and undermine informed consent. Emerging taxonomy of gen ai dark patterns.
Semi-structured HCI study examining how users evaluate, trust, and interact with AI-generated news content.
This project aims to establish “Co-Design” as the guiding methodology for community-based research within The SPARK Center. By studying interdisciplinary research practices fromdiverse disciplines across DePaul University, I propose to develop a unique framework that supports the innovative work of The SPARK Center and ensuresequitable collaboration between academic institutions, industry partners andcommunity stakeholders.
Data-Informed housing strategy
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Frame the research question with precision. Align stakeholders on scope, assumptions, and success criteria before a single participant is recruited.
Mixed methods: interviews, observations, surveys — selected deliberately to answer the specific question at hand, not by default.
Affinity mapping, thematic analysis, and structured frameworks turn data into patterns and actionable insights.
Findings become actionable — personas, journey maps, design recommendations, and prioritized opportunity spaces grounded in evidence.
Test design decisions against real users. Iterate. Close the loop between research insight and product outcome.
Critically evaluate the research itself — bias, positionality, ethical implications — and document learnings for future engagements.
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Methods are tools. I select and combine approaches based on the research question, timeline, and context.
Semi-Structured Interviews
In-depth conversations with structured flexibility to surface unanticipated insights.
Usability Testing
Task-based evaluation of interfaces — remote, in-person, moderated, and unmoderated.
Survey Design & Analysis
Quantitative instruments with careful attention to construct validity and cognitive load.
Focus Groups
Facilitated group discussions to explore shared values, norms, and mental models.
Contextual Inquiry
Observational research in naturalistic settings to capture behavior in context.
Thematic Analysis
Systematic, rigorous coding of qualitative data to identify patterns and themes.
Diary Studies
Longitudinal self-reporting to capture experiences as they unfold over time.
Card Sorting & IA Testing
Uncovering users’ mental models of information structure and navigation.
osolis5@depaul.edu
linkedin.com/in/solisoscar
Resume
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Curriculum Vitae
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Open to research roles, consulting engagements, and collaborative projects where research drives meaningful outcomes.