Hi, I’m Melaney Kakkar a US-based student and researcher with a strong passion for Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)—exploring how people engage with technology in meaningful, intuitive ways. My studies and work is rooted in the belief that great technology starts with deep empathy for its users, and I’m driven by a desire to study and design systems that are not only functional, but thoughtful and human-centered.
Beyond HCI and BCI, I’m deeply interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the broader fields of computer science. I’m especially drawn to how these areas intersect with ethics, biological systems, and complex, interdisciplinary design. This website is a space where I share my current projects, research notes, study guides, tutorials, and experimental work.
Whether you’re a fellow student, researcher, or simply curious, I hope you find something here that sparks your interest or helps you learn.
What You’ll Find Here
This site serves as a collection of resources, reflections, and ongoing work. You’ll find:
- Research insights and personal study notes
- Tutorials and guides for AI, machine learning, HCI, and BCI topics
- Experimental projects and design ideas
- Resources for beginners getting into tech, design, and ethical innovation
Feel free to bookmark this space or share anything you find helpful—especially if you’re starting out with artificial intelligence or human-computer interaction.
Building Complex, Interdisciplinary Systems
I believe that to truly innovate, we must look beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. My research is increasingly focused on how we can design and understand complex systems by integrating knowledge across the core domains of human understanding. These include:
Natural Sciences
Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Astronomy, and Physics—all help us understand the foundations of life, the environment, and the physical universe, which inspire how we think about biological computing, environmental technology, and systems grounded in nature.
Formal Sciences
Computer Science and Mathematics provide the structural backbone for logic, programming, data analysis, and the models we use in AI and intelligent systems.
Applied Sciences
Fields like Engineering, Architecture, Medicine, Education, and Environmental Studies allow us to apply theory in real-world settings and build practical, innovative solutions.
Social Sciences
Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Economics, and Anthropology help us study behavior, societies, and the systems that govern our lives—critical perspectives for designing technology that respects human values and scales ethically.
Humanities
Philosophy, History, Languages, the Arts, Law, and Religious Studies ground our thinking in ethics, culture, communication, and the meaning behind the tools we create.
My Approach
My goal is to connect ideas across these disciplines to design more intelligent, ethical, and impactful systems. From designing user-friendly interfaces and studying cognitive behavior to building AI systems that consider social implications, I’m committed to learning and creating at the intersection of technology and humanity.
If you’re curious about these intersections or are exploring similar ideas, I’d love to have you follow along.
15 Free Online Learning Resources:
- Coursera [www.coursera.org]
Coursera offers a wide range of free online courses from reputable universities and institutions. You can access course content for free, though some courses charge a fee for certificates. Ideal for learning a variety of topics, from computer science to humanities. - edX [www.edx.org]
edX provides free online courses from top universities like Harvard, MIT, and more. You can enroll in courses at no cost and access materials, but certificates come with a fee. It’s perfect for those looking to gain knowledge in academic and professional subjects. - Khan Academy [www.khanacademy.org]
Khan Academy offers free video tutorials and practice exercises on subjects ranging from math and science to computer programming. This platform is great for self-paced learning, especially for students at the K-12 level or anyone wanting to revisit foundational topics. - MIT OpenCourseWare [ocw.mit.edu]
MIT OpenCourseWare provides free access to a massive collection of course materials from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Explore lectures, assignments, and more to learn at your own pace. - Harvard Online Learning [online-learning.harvard.edu]
Harvard University offers free online courses through its platform, with a variety of subjects to choose from. Learn directly from Harvard professors without any charge, with the option to purchase certificates. - Codecademy [www.codecademy.com]
Codecademy offers interactive, free tutorials on programming languages like Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and more. It’s an excellent platform for beginners wanting to dive into coding with hands-on exercises. - Udemy [www.udemy.com]
While Udemy is known for paid courses, it also offers a variety of free courses in personal development, digital marketing, photography, and more. A great option for exploring new skills or expanding knowledge in diverse fields. - YouTube
YouTube is a vast resource for free tutorials and educational content. Channels like Crash Course, Khan Academy, and TED-Ed provide high-quality videos on a wide range of subjects. It’s an ideal platform for learners who prefer visual content and diverse topics. - OpenLearn [www.open.edu/openlearn]
OpenLearn, from The Open University, offers free courses, articles, and educational resources across many subjects. A great platform for casual learners or those interested in furthering their knowledge for free. - Google Digital Garage [learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage]
Google Digital Garage provides free courses on digital marketing, data & tech, and career development. This is an excellent resource for those looking to develop skills for the modern workplace, with the option to earn certifications upon completion. - Alison [www.alison.com]
Alison offers a variety of free online courses, including certifications in areas like business, technology, health, and personal development. It’s an excellent platform for skill-building, with a focus on both short courses and in-depth learning. - FutureLearn [www.futurelearn.com]
FutureLearn provides free online courses from top universities and organizations worldwide. It’s a great platform for learners looking for professional and academic growth across a variety of disciplines. - LinkedIn Learning [www.linkedin.com/learning]
LinkedIn Learning offers a vast library of free courses on business, technology, and creative skills. It’s a good option for professionals looking to upgrade their skills or explore new fields of interest. - Skillshare [www.skillshare.com]
Skillshare provides access to a wide range of free courses focusing on creative skills, including art, design, photography, and writing. It’s perfect for learners interested in creative fields or wanting to explore hands-on learning. - Udacity [www.udacity.com]
Udacity offers free courses on programming, data science, artificial intelligence, and more. It’s a great platform for learners looking for in-depth technical courses to enhance their career skills.
The above 15 platforms offer an abundance of free courses and resources to help you expand your knowledge and skills in a variety of fields. Whether you’re interested in coding, business, art, or any other area, there’s something here for everyone!