PhD Research in Neurodesign

Our brain hasn't changed much in 65–100.000 years. We are designed for savannah, not New York in rush hour.

My research is at the intersection of cognitive neuroscience, systemic design, ethics and radical empathy – in technology, physical and social spaces. I aim to understand our human experience in the modern, multi-layered environments.

As a member of World Women in Neuroscience (WWN), I am honored to work alongside a global scientific community. My design philosophy and values are grounded in ethics. Stanford design legend McKim’s words: we should design for people, and for need.

I approach neurodesign — and the dozen other disciplines that inevitably follow — with humility, respect, and a sharp awareness of my own blind spots and cognitive biases.

“…the research topic is timely and forward looking, addressing complex intersections." … "work is of an excellent standard.”
– S. Miettinen, Dean, University of Lapland, Faculty of Arts

I am honored to call the University of Oulu my academic home. It is ranked among the top 3% of universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings / Times Higher Education).

Our environments shape us in ways we’ve barely begun to understand. Our biology responds – even when we don’t know it.

Big Tech uses (neuro)science to create addiction. I use it to support brain health and innovation.

Fact
Interruptions in work raise risks of fatal errors, but redesigning the critical points of the work flow can cut them 88 % (Kliger et al., 2009; 2012).

My hypothesis is, we can scale the good results, and I'm committed to find out how. Our physical, digital and social spaces – and the spaces between – affect our brain. I have an incurable curiosity to understand how.

I am incredibly grateful for the amazing PhD Supervision team:
Cognitive neuroscience & psychology: University of Oulu, Finland, Faculty of Education and Psychology
Technology & AI: LUT University, The AI and HCI Behavioural Lab
Systemic Design: The Oslo School of Architecture and Design AHO

Facts
"Brain skills" dominate both today's and tomorrow's most-needed workplace skills (WEF, 2025).

Investing in [employee] brain health could lift global GDP by 12% — $11.7 trillion in value (WEF, 2026).

If you'd like to follow my work, reach out in LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/in/inga-cassidy