Dalila Szostak

Google (United States), Intel (United States)

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Dalila Szostak is a leading researcher at the intersection of human-computer interaction, autonomous vehicle user experience (UX), and in-car robotics. Her work fundamentally explores how people—from adults to children—interact with and experience emerging automotive technologies. Szostak’s most influential contribution, the 2015 paper *“Experiencing Autonomous Vehicles”* (23 citations), pioneered the critical crossover between autonomous driving and UX research, establishing a foundational framework for understanding how passengers perceive and trust self-driving cars. This work has shaped subsequent studies on human factors in automated mobility. She also broke new ground with her 2013 study *“Engaging children in cars through a robot companion”* (6 citations), which innovatively addressed the unique needs of child passengers. By proposing a robotic companion to assist parents and entertain children, Szostak expanded the scope of in-car design beyond driver-centric models. Her research highlights that safety concerns for children profoundly alter the driving experience, urging designers to create holistic, family-friendly autonomous environments. Through these contributions, Szostak has established herself as a key voice in making autonomous vehicles not just technologically advanced, but genuinely human-centered.