Shaikh Shawon Arefin Shimon

Shaikh Shawon Arefin Shimon

CS/HCI PhD Candidate @ UWaterloo

About Shimon

I am a PhD Candidate in Computer Science at the University of Waterloo, where I conduct research in Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), wearable computing, and extended reality (XR). Broadly, I explore body-centric interaction for wearable and immersive computing, designing and evaluating interaction techniques that enable users to engage with emerging computing systems beyond the limitations of traditional screens, controllers, and visual workspaces.

I currently work under the supervision of Dr. Jian Zhao in the WVisdom Lab at the University of Waterloo. I was fortunate to begin my PhD under the supervision of the late Dr. Edward Lank, one of the pioneers of HCI research at Waterloo. Although he passed away in 2022, his mentorship and perspective continue to influence how I approach research, mentorship, and interaction design.

My research focuses on designing and evaluating body-centric interaction techniques for head-mounted wearable technologies, including earables and virtual reality headsets. Through interaction design, prototyping, and controlled user studies, I investigate how above-neck gestures, beyond-field-of-view (FOV) interaction, and wearable sensing technologies can enable more accessible, expressive, and seamless user experiences. I am particularly interested in expanding interaction beyond conventional device boundaries while reducing visual interference, supporting multitasking, and improving accessibility in immersive environments.

My work has resulted in publications at leading HCI venues including CHI, MobileHCI, IMWUT/UbiComp and Graphics Interface (GI). Across my research, I seek to understand how emerging sensing technologies and interaction techniques can shape the next generation of wearable and immersive computing platforms.

Prior to my doctoral studies, I spent more than six years in industry at Samsung R&D Institute Bangladesh and Keysight Technologies, developing mobile and engineering software systems. I am also a faculty member (currently on leave) at North South University, where I taught undergraduate computer science courses at the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, and supervised student research projects.

As both a researcher and practitioner, I am motivated by a simple question: How can future computing systems become more natural, accessible, and seamlessly integrated into everyday human activity?

For any queries or collaboration, feel free to reach me out via linkedin or email : ssarefin[at]uwaterloo[dot]ca.

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