Welcome to my blog / online CV, wherein you will find up-to-date information about my research and lecturing activities, and about myself too. This blog is constantly under construction.
I am Sergio. My profile could be defined as an interdisciplinary Human-Computer Interaction scholar with a background in Computer Science and a strong interest in technology use in everyday settings. I believe that people are the key measure of success / failure of most digital technologies designed for human use.
As of April 2021, I am an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Computer Science and Industrial Engineering at University of Lleida (UdL, Spain). Overall, my research interests lie in the human side of digital technologies. My previous research includes web accessibility, usability, and eLearning. Since 2009, my research combines my technical background with a strong interest in everyday life to examine the socio-cultural relationship between older people and digital technologies (e.g. voice assistants, digital games, e-mail systems, and online social networks) from an interdisciplinary perspective. My long-term research goal is to improve the digital and social inclusion of older adults (and their communities) by examining their everyday technology use and providing designers with insights developed from this examination.
I was a post-doctoral researcher at University of Dundee (Scotland, Beatriu de Pinós Fellowship, 2010-12) and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Spain, Alliance 4 Universities Fellowship, 2012-14). I was also a visiting professor at University of Lleida (Spain, 2014-2016) and University of Barcelona (Spain, 2016-19). I hold a PhD Cum Laude in Computer Science / Human-Computer Interaction from Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Spain, 2009). My research career spans from 2009 to now.
I have lectured – and currently lecture – in key areas in Computer Science (and related) degrees, i.e. Databases, Object-Oriented Programming, Data Structures, Software Engineering, and Human-Computer Interaction. I have played different roles, from teaching assistant to module coordinator. Putting my students first in the hallmark and objective of my teaching philosophy and approach. I see lecturing as engineering an inclusive and participatory learning environment, rather than drilling knowledge into students’ heads. I think knowledge is constructed, not received. For me, lecturing is a huge responsibility, since I feel I am contributing to shape future generations. My lecturing career spans the period from 2004 to now.
I have participated in several EU projects on emerging technologies, such as digital cinema and audiovisual entertainment. My main role in these projects was coordinating the WP of Evaluation and Self-Assessment. I have also secured funding (approx. 500K euros) for my universities in international projects (e.g. WorthPlay about digital games and older adults, Life 2.0, about independent living and older adults).
I have been the main organizer of the First Lego League Igualada 2022, the 1st Workhop on the research conducted at the Campus Universitari Igualada – UdL (2022), and several editions of the Teaching and Learning Workshop of the Escola Politècnica Superior at the Campus Universitari Igualada – UdL. I was member of the organizing committee of ACM Mobile HCI 2018.
I am Associate Editor of the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies and Senior PC Member of ACM Conversational User Interfaces. I served as Associate Chair in the Ageing & Accessibility Subcommittee at ACM CHI 2022 (and 2023).
I have co-supervised three PhDs on HCI to completion. If you want to work with me (e.g. PhD), just give me a shout! (sergio <dot> sayago <at> udl <dot> cat)
About me
I was born in Barcelona (Spain) in 1981. I am a son, dog (and, in general, animal) lover, occasional runner, and team player. I like reading, writing, thinking, driving, and strolling along the beach and in parks (specially in autumn). I do not like either noisy environments or crowded places. I love cooking, buying food from local farmers, good wine and tea, and Scottish (single malt) whisky. My mother tongues are Spanish and Catalan. I have a Certificate in Proficiency in English, and I am very proud of having learned some Scottish – apologies if the following words are misspelled (dreich, wabbit, fit like? Nae bad the noo, peh, jings, crivens, help ma’ boab!, geeza break!). I lived in Dundee (Scotland) between 2010-2012; in Leganés (Madrid), between 2012-2014; in Lleida (Catalonia), between 2014-2016. I have a passion for what I do (research, and teach) and a strong appetite for learning.
Further information about my previous, current, and future research and teaching, and about myself, can be found in the sections (see menu at the top of this page) of this blog. I hope you find what you are looking for, or you come across something interesting or useful.
Should you want to keep in touch, you can reach me at the following e-mail address:
sergio <dot> sayago <at> udl <dot> cat
My profile in Google Scholar, ORCID, SCOPUS-ID, and Researcher-ID
Last update: Igualada, July 08, 2022