Hi, I’m David Kern, and I bridge software engineering expertise with user-centered design to create meaningful digital experiences. My approach combines technical precision with deep user research, whether I’m conducting usability studies, developing prototypes, or leading cross-functional teams.
In my role as a lecturer in computer science at FHNW, I guide students through user-centered methodologies and practical UX problem-solving. I teach usability principles and interface design while leading courses on requirements engineering, where I emphasize translating user needs into actionable design requirements. Mentoring students as they develop design thinking skills and analytical capabilities has sharpened my ability to communicate complex concepts clearly.
As a Research Assistant on European and Swiss innovation projects, including EU Horizon 2020 and Innosuisse initiatives, I conduct user behavior analysis and lead comprehensive user testing programs. I’ve designed and executed over 20 user studies, identifying critical usability gaps and translating insights into actionable UX improvements. This work requires close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to ensure research findings drive meaningful product enhancements.
My software engineering foundation across web, mobile, and native development platforms enables me to prototype rapidly and understand technical constraints during the design process. This technical fluency allows me to create interfaces that are not only user-friendly but also technically feasible and performant across platforms.
Recent work includes my master’s thesis on AR integration in architectural planning, where I developed a mixed-methods research approach, created functional prototypes for Apple Vision Pro, and demonstrated significant improvements in user spatial understanding through quantitative evaluation.
I stay energized through floorball and cycling, and pursue freelance web design projects that let me experiment with emerging technologies and creative approaches. This balance keeps me curious and brings fresh perspectives to my professional work.