Theshani Marambe

Hey, I'm Theshani

UX/UI Designer | HCI Researcher | Service Designer | Usability Analyst | Lecturer | Software Engineer

More about me

About Me

I am a passionate UI/UX Designer, Service Designer, HCI Researcher, Usability Analyst, and Lecturer with the competence to craft impactful digital experiences. Over the years, I have improved my expertise in user research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and service design, leveraging tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Miro to bring ideas to life.

I believe in the power of design to solve complex problems and enhance user experience. Whether improving accessibility, designing for sustainability, or bridging cultural gaps through technology, my work is powered by a user-centered approach and innovative thinking.

As an academic researcher and lecturer, I have strengthened the next generation of technologists and designers while contributing to advancements in computer science. My experience spans diverse projects, from designing inclusive mobile applications to enhancing the usability of robotic systems. My work often bridges the gap between theory and practice, applying analytical thinking and creativity to projects.

In addition to my professional experience, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Technology from Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka. Currently, I am reading for a Master of Science in Human-Technology Interaction and Computing Sciences Degree at Tampere University, Finland, and I expect to graduate in June 2025.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I’m driven by a curiosity for innovation and a commitment to lifelong learning. In my leisure time, you’ll find me traveling, capturing moments, and experimenting with flavors in the kitchen.

Driven by a passion for innovation and collaboration, I bring analytical thinking, strong decision-making, and leadership skills to every project. My academic and professional background equips me to bridge technical solutions with strategic business goals, delivering user-centered designs that drive meaningful impact for stakeholders and organizations alike.

Let’s create designs that inspire and empower!

Work Experience

Part-time Teacher

Faculty of Information Technology and Communication, Tampere University, Finland

August 2024 - Present

  • Conducting lectures on interaction design and visual design and conducting weekly exercise sessions on Figma in User Interfaces and Human-Centred Design course for Human-Technology interaction masters students.
  • Evaluating assignments, examination answer scripts, and project works of User Interfaces and Human-Centred Design course.

Lecturer in Computer Science

Department of Computer Science - Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka

November 2021 - August 2023

  • Conducted lectures, laboratory sessions, examination paper setting, and answer-script evaluation on Object Oriented System Development, File Organization and Database Management Systems, and System Analysis and Design course modules for bachelor's degree students.
  • Web editor of the Journal of The University of Ruhuna.
  • Student supervision in undergraduate software development projects.
  • Reviewer - 10th Ruhuna International Science and Technology Conference -2023 and 7th International Research Conference of Uva Wellassa University 2023.

Visiting Lecturer

Esoft Metro Campus, Matara, Sri Lanka

October 2022 - August 2023

  • Conducting Lectures and project evaluation on Management Support Systems course for BEng(Hons) in Software Engineering - Top Up students.

Visiting Lecturer

University College, Matara, Sri Lanka

December 2022 - August 2023

  • Conducted lectures, laboratory sessions, examination paper setting, and answer-script evaluation on ICT for Event Management course modules for Higher National Diploma in Event Management students.

Lecturer in Software Engineering

Department of Computing and Information Systems, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

March 2021 - October 2021

  • Conducted lectures, laboratory sessions, examination paper setting, and answer-script evaluation on Human-Computer Interaction, Structured Programming, and Management of Information Systems course modules for bachelor's degree students.
  • Co-editor of the “Comspective” Bi-annual magazine of the Department of Computing and Information Systems.
  • Student supervision in undergraduate software development projects.
  • Requirement Engineer, UI Designer, and Developer and Smart University Project at Sabaragamuwa University.

Software Engineer

IFS International (PVT) Ltd, Sri Lanka

March 2020 - February 2021

  • Detailed design, development, and technical documentation on “Disco” project which is to handle maintenance tasks of military aircrafts in disconnected mode.
  • Test automation.
  • Self-study and develop technical expertise.
  • Tools and technologies: PLSQL, IFS Aurena, C#

Software Engineer (Intern)

Lagoma (PVT) Ltd, Colombo, Sri Lanka

October 2019 - February 2020

  • Research and development on two projects based on Human Resource Management.
  • Self-study and develop technical expertise.
  • Tools and technologies: React, Node.js with Express.js, MySQL

Projects

WinterMentor

WinterMentor

  • WinterMentor is a web service that is compatible for both web and mobile use.
  • Goal:Provide support for improving mental health and sustainability habits during the winter.
  • Responsibilities: User research, Research Data Analysis, Ideation, User Persona Development, Defining UX Goals, Conceptual Design, User Scenario Development, Wireframing, High-fidelity Prototyping, and Planning for Evaluation.
  • Tools: Figma, Drow.io

View the Prototype

GreenSwap

GreenSwap (In-progress)

  • GreenSwap is a website where users can exchange garden products like fruits, vegetables, plants, and seeds, or offer garden-related services.
  • Goal: Reduce the waste of excess garden products through the web service.
  • Responsibilities: User research, Data Analysis, Ideation, User Persona Development, Defining UX Goals, Wireframing, High-fidelity Prototyping, and Evaluation.
  • Tools: Figma
NAO

Robot NAO to Reduce Stress

  • NAO is a humanoid robot and this project was conducted to improve the user experience of using NAO to reduce the stress of teenagers and to motivate them in relaxation exercises.
  • Responsibilities: Conducting Literature Study, Conducting User Needs Study (Co-Design Workshop), Analyzing Data Gathered in User Needs Study, Ideation, Idea Filteration, Concept Design, Implementation of Robot NAO, and Concept Evaluation.
  • Tools: NAO Robot Choregraphe, Mural Canvas

View implementation outcome

View user interaction video

Norppa

Norppa (Teacher Interface) - Usability Test

  • Norppa is the course feedback system used at Tampere University and there are two main interfaces which are for teachers and students.
  • Goal: Evaluate the teacher interface of the Norppa system to enhance user experience.
  • Responsibilities: Conducting Heuristic Evaluation, Designing Test Tasks and Interviews, Conducting Pilot Tests, Conducting Usability Tests, Analysing Test Results, Reporting Findings from Tests, and Ideation for Further Developments.
Ario

Enhancing Airo UX

  • Airo is a cloud-based desktop designed for preschool and primary education in Hämeenlinna. It allows users to easily access school and kindergarten programs.
  • Goal: Enhancing the user experience for Hämeenlinna’s school teachers on the Airo platform.
  • Responsibilities: Conducting Heuristic Evaluation, Planning for User Research, Analyzing Gathered Data, Persona Development, Ideation, Redesigning Airo Desktop, Evaluating Designs, and Presenting Design Solutions to Clients.
  • Tools: Figma, Mural Canvas
ShieldHer

ShieldHer Mobile Application

  • The project is based on the fifth sustainable goal, “Gender Equality” and focuses on gender-based violence and women’s empowerment.
  • Goal: To provide resources, confidential online help, connection to support networks, and facilitate event organization to empower women.
  • Responsibilities: Problem Exploration, Problem Analysis, Brainstorming and Filtering Ideas, Prototyping.
  • Tools: Figma, Mural Canvas
Food_Culture

Connecting Cultures Through Food

  • Goal: Design a mobile responsive web service to enhance the cross-cultural food experience of users.
  • Responsibilities: Cultural exploration, Literature Study, Analyzing Gathered Data, Developing Cultural Persona, Developing Design Guidelines, Concept Design, and Conducting Peer Evaluations.
HMS

Hotel Management System for Tenth Hotel, Ella, Sri Lanka

  • A web-based application for Tenth Hotel in Ella
  • Goal: Maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of their current manual system.
  • Responsibilities: Requirement gathering, Analysis, Sketching UIs, Development, Evaluation.
  • Technologies: OOP PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, AJAX, MySQL
Ontology

Recommender System Based on Ontology for Qualifications Required for Job Roles in the IT Industry of Sri Lanka

  • A study to develop a recommender system to cater the expert knowledge to guide the students to select the best path with respect to degree programs offered at government universities of Sri Lanka while mapping the career paths facilitating to enter the IT job market.
  • Responsibilities: Literature study, background study, learning on tools and technologies, ontology development, testing and validation, front-end development.
  • Tools and Technologies: Portégé, SPARQL, Apache Jena Fuseki

Education & Publications

Education

  • MSc in Human-Technology Interaction and Computing Sciences
    Tampere University, Finland (Expected: June 2025)
  • BSc in Computer Science and Technology
    Achivements: Included in Dean’s List for Superior Academic Performance in Semester I Four Hundred level, Academic Year 2019/2020
    Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka (Completed: 2019)
  • Certificate Course for Professional Development in Higher Education
    University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka(Completed: 2023)
  • Professional Graduate Diploma, BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT
    (2017-2019)

Research and Publications

  • How individuals assign personality traits to QTrobot based on its design and behaviour - Study on teaching assistant tasks with University Students
    (In-progress)
  • Study on factors affecting effective virtual project management in IT companies in Badulla district, Sri Lanka
    RISTCON 2023, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
    Conference Proceedings Here (Page: 51)
  • Vehicle recommendation system based on required vehicle features of the buyers in the Sri Lankan context
    IRCUWU 2022, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
    Conference Proceedings Here (Page: 85)

Contact

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tdkmarambe

Phone: (+358) 041-7236928