Dana Fridman

Lecturer in Web Design / Information Design

School of Design Innovation

  • Lecturer in Web Design / Information Design
    School of Design Innovation

BIO

My work is grounded in the belief that scalable, high-impact innovation is born at the intersection of rigorous research, creativity and technology. I cultivate and thrive in collaborative environments where interdisciplinary insights are transformed into ethical, real-world solutions for global problems.

As an interdisciplinary researcher and innovation leader, I work at the intersection of AI, design, and psychology to explore how intelligent systems are reshaping the way we connect, make decisions, and thrive. My research trajectory spans the development of Brain Computer Interface interventions for ADHD and adaptive games for stroke rehabilitation, extending into Alzheimer’s prevention, technology, and relational design. This foundation now drives my investigation into Adaptive Systems for Social Impact, where I explore how AI Entrepreneurship can solve complex societal challenges through rigorous, socio-technical innovation.

By bridging socio-technical thinking and human-centred design with entrepreneurship, I help build AI-driven systems that are as ethically sound as they are socially valuable and commercially viable. Beyond research, I am a passionate advocate for the innovation ecosystem. I mentor startups and postgraduate students, share insights at global conferences, help organise them, and work with industry partners to turn complex research into impactful ventures. I am also happy to respond to media queries regarding the future of responsible health and education technology.

Let’s connect if you’re interested in: AI, venture creation, product leadership, UX research, or health and sustainability innovation.

ACADEMIC POSITIONS

  • Programme Director for the Master of User Experience Design
    Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand1 Jun 2018 - 1 Jan 2021
  • Lecturer
    Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, School of Design, Wellington, New Zealand1 Jun 2017 - present
  • Section Leader
    Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, School of Design, Wellington, New Zealand1 Mar 2017 - 1 Jul 2017
  • Teaching Fellow
    Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, School of Design, Wellington, New Zealand1 Jul 2016 - 1 Nov 2016
  • Graphic Designer
    Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, School of Design, Wellington, New Zealand1 Jul 2016 - 1 Nov 2016

NON-ACADEMIC POSITIONS

  • Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder
    Accreditron1 Mar 2017 - 1 Nov 2017
  • Product Designer
    8i1 Nov 2016 - 1 Feb 2017
  • Senior Online Publisher
    New Zealand Police, Wellington, NZ, Media, Wellington, New Zealand1 Sep 2014 - 1 May 2015

DEGREES

  • Master of Design Innovation
    Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
  • PhD
    Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

AVAILABILITY

  • Collaborative projects
  • Join a web conference as a panellist or speaker
  • Masters Research or PhD student supervision
  • Media enquiries
  • Membership of an advisory committee
  • Mentoring (short-term)
  • Industry Projects

FIELDS OF RESEARCH