Tamara Ahmed

ABOUT ME

I am Tamara, a 2022 graduate of LUT University with a Master’s degree in Global Management of Innovation and Technology (GMIT), under the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management. Before this, I gained a solid foundation in Business Administration, Banking, and Mathematics.

Currently, I am working as a Research Assistant in the Software Engineering Department at LUT University. In January 2025, I will officially begin my PhD journey, further advancing my research and academic career.

Fun Facts: In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature, travelling, and volunteering. I’m actively involved with various cultural and volunteering groups, which I find incredibly fulfilling and a great way to stay connected to different communities. These activities bring me a sense of balance and peace of mind.

ABOUT MY RESEARCH

My research topic: Towards Inclusive and Resident-centric Software Engineering Practices for Participation within Digitalized Energy Systems

Introduction

This research aims to enhance Community Energy Management Systems (CEMS) by prioritizing inclusivity and usability through the integration of IoT, cloud technologies, and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Employing literature review, co-design, prototyping, and real-world testing, the study will develop user-friendly systems for diverse users. The outcome will be a user-centred framework to guide the future development of inclusive CEMS, contributing to advanced tools and practices that empower energy communities to act collectively toward environmental sustainability.

My previous research in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has focused on individual eco-feedback in Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) but has paid less attention to supporting communities in coordinating energy demand with renewable supply through CEMS. While HEMS research can inform CEMS design, community energy dynamics raise unique challenges, such as collective demand-shifting, fairness, accountability, and privacy. Additionally, diverse community members may face varying energy needs, financial commitments, and decision-making skills, highlighting the need for intelligent, adaptive CEMS solutions.

Objectives:

The main objective:
O1: To understand what are the primary software engineering challenges in enhancing the usability of Community Energy Management Systems (CEMS) for diverse user groups.
The sub-objectives:
SO1: To discover how variations in user skills, economic backgrounds, and energy needs influence the software design requirements for CEMS to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
SO2: To define the role that generative AI or similar contemporary technologies might play in refining software architecture and user interfaces to produce intelligent and adaptive CEMS, responsive to diverse user needs.
SO3: To answer which user-centric software engineering methodologies can be developed to improve CEMS in terms of accessibility, usability, and overall user experience.

Main Research Question

How can software engineering practices be enhanced to design inclusive and user-friendly CEMS for diverse user groups?

Methodology

The primary methodology will be Research Through Design (RTD) (Stappers & Giaccardi,
2014), which integrates the process of design with the exploration of research questions,
utilizing iterative cycles of prototyping, testing, and reflection to generate insights and knowledge. RTD is a commonly used HCI methodology, especially in cases where artefacts are co-designed by diverse stakeholders. Specialized methods used within the RTD process to answer the research objectives will include:

Year 1: Comprehensive Analysis of Usability and Data Challenges in CEMS

A detailed usability framework, capturing challenges related to data access, IoT integration, and user interaction in CEMS.

Year 2: Co-Designing User-Centric CEMS

Prototypes of IoT-enabled CEMS systems with user-centric interfaces that provide clear, actionable energy insights through cloud-based platforms.

Year 3: Technology Feasibility Study and Validation

A validated user-centred software engineering methodology for CEMS, leveraging IoT, cloud computing, and intelligent interfaces for enhanced usability, scalability, and real-time energy management.

Figure 1: Flowchart of research design

Figure 1: Flowchart of research design

Methodology Components (in details)


The process of gathering data and insights requires a structured and methodical approach. Here’s how we can creatively and conveniently design our research methodology, focusing on research papers (case studies), expert interviews, inclusive surveys, and co-design workshops.

Table 1: Methodology components in detail

Future Plans

  • Continue prototyping and testing CEMS solutions, refining them through user feedback and real-world validation.
  • Collaborate with industry and academic partners to gain broader insights, explore emerging technologies, and ensure scalability.
  • Publish findings and develop guidelines for designing inclusive and user-friendly CEMS, contributing to sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives.
  • Expand testing in diverse communities and explore opportunities for integration with smart city (and community) projects to extend the impact of CEMS on urban sustainability.

Let’s Connect

My email: tamara.ahmed@lut.fi

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tamaraahmed

Annika Wolff (1st Supervisor): annika.wolff@lut.fi

Sanaul Haque (2nd Supervisor): sanaul.haque@lut.fi

Previous Work

Poster (1st Fast Sprint Meeting)