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 in generative AI interfaces — how they manipulate user cognition, erode trust, and disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Semi-structured HCI study examining how users evaluate, trust, and interact with AI-generated news content.
Establishing co-design as the guiding methodology for community-based research at the SPARK Center, drawing from interdisciplinary practices across DePaul.
Supporting the Steans Family Foundation’s housing portfolio through predictive analytics, baseline data products, and visualization tools for North Lawndale.
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Start with collaborative questions. What are we actually trying to understand, and why does it matter? I work with partners and stakeholders to define the scope before anything else.
I pick methods based on the research context.
/ Interviews, observations, surveys, co-design workshops.
Affinity mapping, thematic analysis, and structured coding to move from raw data to patterns. The goal is clarity, not volume.
Translate findings into things teams can use.
/ Frameworks, design recommendations, data viz, policy briefs.
Bring it back to people. Test assumptions, iterate on what’s not working, and make sure the research is doing something useful.
Look at the research questions and outcomes critically. Where are the blind spots? How might we do this in another way?
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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 community-engaged research, design strategy, and projects where research drives meaningful change.