Hi, I'm Tommaso Armstrong, a PhD-trained UX researcher passionate about improving social platforms and dating apps.
About me
I’m currently finishing my PhD in Human Computer Interaction at the University of Technology Sydney. My research examines the way social and dating apps shape the experiences of queer young men and explores how the design of such apps might be improved. I also teach Interaction Design and Design Innovation classes at my university.
Post-PhD, I'm looking to start an industry UX research role in 2025. I'd love to hear from you if you're working or hiring in UX.
My research
LGBTQ+ young people depend heavily on social platforms to find peer support and explore their identities. However, they're often not considered in the design of such platforms.
My research focuses specifically on queer and trans young men and uses ethnographic and research through design approaches to address this gap.
Overview of research
- Recruited and worked with 60+ queer and trans young people.
- Used semi-structured interviews and a custom-designed probe kit to understand current experiences.
- Ran co-design sessions with technology designers to generate 11 new concepts for social platform features.
- Validated concepts in evaluation sessions with end-users.
- Published findings in peer-reviewed articles and at conferences.
- Presented work to social platform and dating app companies as part of invited talks.
