Usable Security
Research on assessing user literacy and expectations in websites.
Rifat Ara Tasnim, PhD
Adjunct Faculty
Department of Computer Science
Idaho State University
Pocatello, Idaho, USA
Hi, I'm Rifat, an Adjunct Faculty member in the Department of Computer Science at Idaho State University, where I teach Game Development. I earned my Ph.D. in Computer Science from the same institute.
My research centers on embedding psychotherapeutic techniques into video games, commonly referred to as serious games. I investigate how thoughtfully designed gameplay can foster both enjoyment and measurable psychological benefits.
Across multiple empirical studies involving hundreds of participants, I have explored serious game design on smartphone, AR, and VR platforms. My work examines how game environments and individual personality traits influence therapeutic outcomes and Player Experience (PX). These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how serious games can be designed to enhance both effectiveness and engagement.
Beyond academia, I completed two internships at Idaho National Laboratory, where I developed VR simulations and accessibility-focused immersive data visualization systems for blind and visually impaired users.
Currently, my research investigates cognitive processing during gameplay to inform adaptive game mechanics in both serious and commercial games. I am also conducting comparative usability analyses of XR devices to better understand interaction efficiency, accessibility, and user performance across immersive platforms.
