Liz Ankrah

Research Area of Interest:
My research interests lie at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Computer-Supported Collaborative Work (CSCW). Traditionally, in my work I focus on the domains of health, education, and organizations, with a particular interest in understanding collaboration during transitions—periods of change that require people to adapt to new circumstances—and the transfer of information, knowledge, and responsibilities. Additionally, as a Ghanaian American, passionate about supporting the future of the continent, I have conducted cross-country research in collaboration with my brilliant local collaborators, in South Africa, and Kenya. Overall, in my work, I contribute contributes a theoretical understanding of collaborative transition and practical design principles for creating collaborative, adaptive, and contextual technological systems.

Research Approach:
Being an inquisitive adventurer, I enjoy taking on new projects and collaborating across diverse domains and groups. Therefore, I apply action research principles, working with community partners and learning from local experts to identify challenges and co-design solutions. I use human-centered design methods, including interviews, focus groups, co-design workshops, diary studies, digital interventions, and more to understand then, design, develop, deploy, and evaluate technologies to support collaboration.

Hobbies: Traventuring – term borrowed from my favorite restaurant, Traventure Cafe, in Nairobi, Kenya – means traveling and adventuring. I also enjoy hiking, running, reading and spending time with family and friends!