Denis Nikitenko

Assistant Professor

College of Computational, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, School of Computer Science

Seeking academic or industry partnerships in the area(s) of

Lighting-aware accessibility of mobile and automotive interfaces—phones, tablets, in-car dashboards, digital cockpits, and wearables under variable lighting

Research Areas

Situational Visual Impairments (SVIs)
Inclusive Design
Image Processing
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
Educational Research
Colour Vision & Measurement
Accessibility

Education and Employment Background

Dr. Nikitenko received his PhD in in Computer Science from the University of Guelph in 2010. He was a Professor at Sheridan College, in Oakville Ontario, from 2010 – 2017. Dr. Nikitenko joined the School of Computer Science in 2017, where he is now an Assistant Professor.

Instrumentation & Capabilities

Spectroradiometer, light meter
Capabilities: Our spectroradiometer tells us the exact colour and brightness of any light, This lets us measure how everyday objects reflect sunlight or light from an indoor lamp, or how their appearance is affected by the light around them. We can also measure how well digital screens reproduce colour and how they interact with light around them (e.g. phones in bright sunlight).

Research Theme

My research interests lie at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction and colour science. I am investigating how variations in lighting, display technology, and viewing context shape our experience of digital media, with the goal of making digital interfaces more universally accessible. I am also interested in tools that help researchers and designers explore and visualize colour spaces, gamuts, and other steps in the digital colour workflow.

Mitigating bright-light situational vision impairments – I explore how bright outdoor light can wash out phone and tablet screens and how smart colour choices can bring them back into view. By blending colour-appearance science with mobile interface design, I am developing open-source tools that will help designers create apps people can read safely while commuting, cycling, or working in the field. These tools will lead to more inclusive digital experiences and reduced reliance on power-hungry ultra-bright displays.