My HCI research is anchored in interaction design for international development, with a focus on designing trustworthy, usable digital systems in resource-constrained and high-risk contexts. As a member of the Executive Committee of IFIP TC13 Working Group 13.8 (Human–Computer Interaction for International Development), this work is shaped by global HCI4D priorities, including digital inclusion, safety, and responsible technology use.
Human-centred mobile security and behavioural biometrics
This project investigates human-centred mobile authentication using behavioural biometrics, aiming to strengthen identity verification while minimising user friction. The focus is on designing secure authentication mechanisms that remain usable in everyday mobile interactions.
Research output
Mollo, M., Mpekoa, N., Tom, S. (2025). BehaveSec: A Mobile Behavioural Biometric Authentication System. In Human-Centered Design, Operation and Evaluation of Mobile Communications (HCII 2025). Springer.
User experience evaluation in digital mental health
This project analyses user dissatisfaction in a mental health application using naturally occurring user feedback to identify recurring UX pain points and trust-related concerns. The findings inform practical design improvements and evaluation strategies for digital mental health tools.
Research output
Petersen, F. & Tom, S. (2025). User dissatisfaction with a mental health application: Insights from Google Reviews. South African Journal of Information Management, 27(1).
User experience evaluation in digital mental health
This project analyses user dissatisfaction in a mental health application using naturally occurring user feedback to identify recurring UX pain points and trust-related concerns. The findings inform practical design improvements and evaluation strategies for digital mental health tools.
Research output
Petersen, F. & Tom, S. (2025). User dissatisfaction with a mental health application: Insights from Google Reviews. South African Journal of Information Management, 27(1).
Security-UX (S-UX) design for phishing resilience and digital responsibility
Developing interaction design frameworks that embed security into UX to reduce phishing susceptibility while supporting user agency and responsible digital behaviour.
Research output
Designing a S-UX Framework to Combat Phishing and Foster Digital Responsibility. Interaction Design for International Development (IDID 2024).
Other HCI-related projects (also listed under AI & ML)-Human-centred design of e-Health systems for healthcare service delivery
Design-oriented work focused on usability, continuity of care, and interoperability in resource-constrained contexts.
Research output
Tom, S. L., Iyamu, T. (2022). Towards a design of E-Health systems to improving healthcare service delivery. International Conference on Information Resources Management. CONF-IRM 2022 Proceedings. 25. ISBN:78-0-473-65864-9. https://aisel.aisnet.org/confirm2022/25