hi , i am hila .

Interested in the messy space between people and technology

Human–AI Interaction Decision Making Social Influence

Download My Resume

about me

I am a human-centered technology researcher studying how people make consequential and subjective decisions when AI becomes part of the process, especially in groups, where people interpret both AI and one another.

I use experiments, interviews, surveys, and mixed-methods analysis to understand behavior and translate findings into design guidance for more supportive AI systems. My background in design, HCI, and emerging technology helps me approach these questions as both behavioral patterns and design problems.

education

2012 - 2016

B.Arch.

Azad University

Explored space, design, and how people experience the built environment.

2020 - 2022

M.Arch.

Iowa State University

Investigated how technology can shape experience within physical environments.

2022 - 2023

M.S. in HCI

Iowa State University

Examined how interactive technologies become part of those physical experiences.

2023 - 2027(expected)

Ph.D. in HCI

Iowa State University Current focus

Research how people make consequential decisions with AI under social influence.

experience

  • 2023 – 2027

    UX researcher & designer

    Generative AI and Decision Making

    Iowa State University, IA, USA

    Designing a mixed-method research program using experiments, surveys, and interviews to examine how individuals and groups respond to AI recommendations. I study how social influence changes what people trust, whose judgment carries weight, and how positions are negotiated before a final decision.

    Current Ph.D. researchRead the research journal
  • 2025 – 2027

    UX researcher & designer

    VR Training for High-Stakes Decisions

    Iowa State University, IA, USA

    Investigating how immersive training can prepare people to make and act on high-stakes decisions under pressure, with attention to judgment, performance, and transfer from simulation to practice.

  • 2022 – 2023

    UX researcher & designer

    Sensory Cues in Virtual Reality

    Iowa State University, IA, USA

    Designed and ran a mixed-method VR study comparing haptic, audio, and visual guidance cues for off-screen targets. Evaluated performance and user experience to understand how sensory feedback affects navigation and immersion.

    Related case studyView the project
  • Summer 2025

    CX researcher intern

    Generative AI for Customer Research

    Rocket Mortgage, Detroit, MI, USA

    Benchmarked Qualtrics Text iQ against ChatGPT for qualitative tagging and sentiment analysis, then developed a reusable prompt framework for research workflows. Analyzed NPS shifts across clients, delivered product recommendations for the digital mortgage journey, and won Best Use of AI for Discovery & Research at a company-wide hackathon.

  • 2023 – 2025

    UX researcher & designer

    VR for Cybersecurity Education

    Iowa State University, IA, USA

    Worked with an interdisciplinary team to design inclusive VR learning experiences that introduce cybersecurity to rural English learners. Used user research and Unity prototyping to translate complex concepts into interactive lessons for middle-school students.

  • 2022 – 2026

    University instructor & mentor

    Teaching and Mentoring

    Iowa State University, IA, USA

    Taught second-year architecture studios and mentored undergraduate researchers in research design, Blender, and interactive learning projects. Guided critique, study development, and the creation of 3D educational experiences for middle-school English learners.

publications

portfolio

Contact Me

Hila Sabouni

hsabouni[at]iastate[dot]edu

www.linkedin.com/in/hilasabouni