ACADEMIC TEACHING
Ilona Posner has made significant academic contributions over three decades of teaching:
- Teaching across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs
- UX research, human-centered design, and design thinking
- Interdisciplinary curriculum development combining research, ethics, and prototyping
- Developed immersive international field research programming (Berlin)
- Applied research integrated with industry-standard practice
- Preparing students for research-driven technology and design careers
Her educational work reflects sustained commitment to academic rigor, curriculum innovation, and student development, while consistently balancing theory, structured methodology, and hands-on implementation.
Academic Appointments
University of Toronto, Lecturer, 1992 – Present
- Designing Systems for Real World Problems, Computer Science
- Immersive Field Research Program, Summer Abroad in Berlin
- Design of Interactive Computational Media, Computer Science
- Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine
- Human Factors Design, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
- UX Research, Design, & Evaluation, iSchool
George Brown College, Professor, 2020 – 2022
- Design Thinking for A.I. Solutions, Artificial Intelligence Diploma
OCAD University, Faculty, 2006 – 2015
- Prototype Development Studio, Masters of Digital Futures Program
- 3D Experience Design, Bachelors Program, Faculty of Design
- Embracing Technology, Executive Masters of Design in Advertising
Canadian Film Centre’s Media Lab, Faculty, 2000 – 2012
- Interactive Art and Entertainment Program, Habitat Program
Across disciplines and institutions, Ilona’s academic work bridges research, design, and emerging technologies, equipping students to apply rigorous human-centered methods in complex, rapidly evolving environments.
Teaching Philosophy
Ilona’s teaching philosophy centers on four principles:
Engage Students Deeply
The students experience is designed with intention and care, using appropriate pedagogical methods to foster meaningful engagement. Students develop soft skills (communication, collaboration, and empathy) alongside subject-matter expertise.
Make it Real
Assignments simulate professional practice and collaborative work processes, preparing students for internships, graduate research, and industry roles.
Connect Learning to Real-World Context
Students bring topics of personal interest into the classroom and design for problems they care about. Industry standards inforrm presentations, and external experts are invited to critique students’ work, reinforcing high expectations and professional quality.
Iterative, Structured Critical Thinking
Courses emphasize frameworks that help students navigate ambiguity with rigor and clarity. Scaffolded learning guides students through iterative design processes, incorporating regular feedback from stakeholders, users, and the instructor.
Ilona challenges students to move beyond surface-level design thinking and engage in evidence-based problem solving.
Student Impact & Feedback
Watch testimonials from students at the University of Toronto. Or read below student feedback across academic programs and years.
Summer Abroad in Berlin Program Student, 2025
“The combination of theory, class discussions and hands-on experiences makes the course greater. As I am a founder of a startup, the things I learned are really useful.”
University of Toronto Computer Science Student, 2023
“The course challenged me to think critically about systems rather than isolated interfaces. I now approach design problems with a structured research process I didn’t have before.”
Translational Research, Medical Doctor Graduate Student, 2020
“I’ve been using many of the skills acquired in this class. For example, I led a group in piloting a post-COVID virtual clinic. I used similar heuristics, cognitive walkthrough, storyboarding, and usability testing to launch our app.”
Design Thinking for A.I. Solutions Student, 2020
“The integration of AI concepts with human-centered design was forward-thinking and grounded in real research practices.”
Ergonomic Design of Information Systems, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, 2018
“I signed with IBM as a UX Designer. I IMPRESSED all companies where I interviewed with my design thinking process, strategy, deliverables, and presentation. Because of our class assignments, I was able to compete with experienced UX-ers and land some pretty sweet offers. I am very fortunate to have had you as my Prof! THANK YOU!!!!”
User Experience Design Student, iSchool, 2017
“The coures exceeded all of my expectations… I truly appreciate the hard work put into securing us an industry partner, their guidance was an invaluable asset for our group, an incredible learning opportunity.”
Executive Masters of Design for Advertising, Principal in Advertising Agency, 2010
“The course allowed us to combine design to strategy… I find myself drawing on some of your course material in my work and in my thinking. … You delivered the value for my EMDes studies.”
Interactive Art and Entertainment Program Participant, 2010
“Ilona has teaching under her skin… I wish we had more time with her. She was a mentor, teacher, thought-provocateur and beacon of shining light to me at the CFC… Thanks for making me think!”
Image: CSC396 Class in Berlin at the Brandenburg Gate, July 2025.
