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Sumaru Niida
User Innovation Group at KDDI Research, Inc.
Professional Background
Sumaru Niida is a seasoned professional in the field of electrical and computer engineering, with extensive experience in research and development in the telecommunication industry. Born out of a passion for understanding both technology and behavioral science, he has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between technical innovation and user experience. Since joining KDDI Research, Inc., Mr. Niida has made significant contributions through his pivotal role in the Interaction Design Group, where he currently serves as a Senior Manager.
His career at KDDI began in 1996 when he joined the Research and Development Laboratories as a Research Engineer. During his tenure, he progressed through various roles, including R&D Manager and Senior Research Engineer, where he specialized in subjective quality assessment, user experience (UX) analysis, and service design related to communication services. Mr. Niida’s multidisciplinary approach has allowed him to effectively address the intricate challenges present in the telecom sector, ensuring that technology aligns closely with user needs and expectations.
Education and Achievements
Sumaru Niida's educational background lays a comprehensive foundation for his current expertise. He holds both a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) and a Master of Engineering (MEng) in Optics/Optical Sciences from Yokohama National University, where he completed his BEng in 1994 and his MEng in 1996. This dual focus on optics not only equipped him with a strong technical acumen but also inspired his later endeavors in integrating human factors with engineering principles.
In pursuit of a deeper understanding of human behavior, Mr. Niida further advanced his education by obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, specializing in Cognitive Psychology, from the University of Tsukuba. This unique combination of engineering and psychology has propelled his work in user experience, allowing him to effectively analyze how users interact with communication technologies and design services that meet their psychological and functional needs.
Additionally, Mr. Niida had the privilege of studying as an Undergraduate Research Student in Communication and Media Studies at The University of Tokyo, where he honed his research skills and developed an early interest in the cognitive aspects of communication technology.
Key Contributions and Notable Achievements
Throughout his exceptional career, Sumaru Niida has been a driving force behind numerous innovations and methodologies aimed at enhancing user experience within communication technologies. His research in subjective quality assessment has paved the way for better understanding of how users perceive and evaluate technology, leading to improvements in service delivery and product development.
As a Senior Manager at KDDI Research, Inc., Mr. Niida leads a talented team that focuses on interaction design and user-centric service development. His commitment to usability and user experience has not only resulted in the successful launch of several key products but has also contributed significantly to the overall advancement of communication services in Japan. Through rigorous UX analysis, he has established best practices that are widely recognized and utilized across the industry.
In addition to his managerial positions, Mr. Niida has also been active in various research initiatives and collaborations, often presenting his findings at international conferences and contributing to academic publications. His efforts to foster a deeper connection between technology and user psychology underscore his dedication to driving the future of telecommunications towards a user-centric approach.
In summary, Sumaru Niida stands out as a leader in his field, marking a distinctive path where engineering meets psychology. His educational background, coupled with his extensive experience in the telecommunications industry, uniquely positions him as an expert in user experience and interaction design. As technology continues to evolve, his insights and contributions promise to play a crucial role in shaping the future of communication services, making them more user-friendly and efficient.
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