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Sachin Palihawadana

MSc. CogSci (SE), BSc. (Hons) Psych. (UK), PgDip. StratMgt. (UK), Dip. Psych & Couns. (IE), Cert. Cognitive Psychology (M-Level) (SE), Cert. HRM (SL), C.L.C. (SL), Cert. Python (SL)

Sachin Palihawadana
Cognitive Systems & Decision Intelligence

“Helping organizations make smarter decisions through cognitive science, human-centered AI, and immersive technology strategy.”

🧠 Cognitive Speed Test
Match the color name to its ink color
Score: 0Best: 0Time: 30s
Decision Intelligence Cognitive Audits Human-Centered AI XR Strategy UX Optimization Program Evaluation Bias Identification Behavioral Outcomes Decision Intelligence Cognitive Audits Human-Centered AI XR Strategy UX Optimization Program Evaluation Bias Identification Behavioral Outcomes
02 / What I Do
Consulting
Services
01
Decision Intelligence
Support
Helping organizations make better, faster, and more reliable decisions by uncovering cognitive bottlenecks and building robust decision frameworks.
  • Cognitive audits
  • Decision bottleneck analysis
  • Bias identification
  • Decision support frameworks
02
Human-Centered AI
& UX
Improving how people interact with AI and digital systems through evidence-based usability evaluation and cognitive UX design.
  • Usability evaluations
  • AI-human interaction assessment
  • Cognitive UX optimization
  • User behavior insights
03
XR Strategy &
Cognitive Design
Supporting organizations in adopting Extended Reality for training, collaboration, and smarter decision-making workflows.
  • XR readiness assessment
  • Cognitive workflow design
  • Immersive training strategy
  • XR interaction optimization
04
Program & Project
Evaluation
Designing and evaluating projects for meaningful learning outcomes, measurable behavioral change, and sustained impact.
  • Project assessments
  • Program design
  • Learning & behavior evaluation
  • Impact improvement recommendations
03 / About

Cognitive Science
Meets Strategy.

I am Sachin Palihawadana — a cognitive scientist and consultant specializing in decision intelligence, human-AI interaction, and immersive technology strategy. My work bridges the gap between how the human mind works and how organizations can leverage that understanding to perform better.

With a multidisciplinary background spanning cognitive science, psychology, counselling, strategic management, and HR — I bring a uniquely holistic lens to complex organizational challenges across Sri Lanka, Sweden, and beyond.

Academic & Professional Credentials
Professional Memberships
33
Projects
10
Companies
5+
Countries Active
4
Years of Service
04 / Selected Work

Projects

Real engagements. Real outcomes. Details withheld to protect client trust.

Cognitive Bias Audit — Financial Services
Confidential • Financial Services

Cognitive Bias Audit

Evaluated business processes and organizational decisions to identify recurring cognitive biases in judgment.

Identified 15+ high-impact bias risks and established mitigation guidelines.
Decision Fatigue Audit — Enterprise
Confidential • Enterprise

Decision Fatigue Audit

Conducted a cognitive audit to identify decision bottlenecks and unnecessary choice overload across leadership workflows.

Reduced decision points by 32%, improving workflow efficiency and consistency.
Cognitive Load Reduction — SaaS Product
Confidential • SaaS Product

Cognitive Load Reduction Initiative

Redesigned complex product workflows using cognitive science principles to minimize mental effort and interface friction.

Reduced task completion time by 38% and increased first-time task completion.
Executive Decision Intelligence Dashboard — Business Consulting
Confidential • Business Consulting

Executive Decision Intelligence Dashboard

Developed a decision-support dashboard grounded in cognitive science principles to structure strategic decision-making and performance analysis.

Reduced report preparation time by 70% and accelerated executive decision cycles.
AR Immersive Training Experience — Emergency Services
Confidential • Emergency Services

AR Immersive Training Experience

Designed an augmented reality training simulator that immerses trainees in high-pressure scenarios, applying cognitive load principles to strengthen decision-making under stress.

Improved decision accuracy under pressure by 37% and reduced cognitive overload indicators by 29%.
Healthcare Portal UX Redesign — Healthcare
Confidential • Healthcare

Healthcare Portal UX Redesign

Redesigned a patient portal using human-centered design and psychological usability principles.

Increased successful task completion by 35% and reduced navigation errors.
Workforce Skills Analytics Platform — HR Technology
Confidential • HR Technology

Workforce Skills Analytics Platform

Developed a competency analytics platform, informed by cognitive assessment methods, for workforce capability evaluation.

Reduced manual skills analysis by 60% and improved training prioritization.
Cross-Functional Workflow Optimization — Manufacturing
Confidential • Manufacturing / Operations

Cross-Functional Workflow Optimization

Mapped and redesigned cross-departmental workflows, applying cognitive science principles to remove redundant approval steps and streamline handoffs.

Cut process cycle time by 45% and reduced handoff errors by 30%.
05 / Publications

Publications

Authorship
The Cognitive Horizon Book Cover
Coming Soon
Cognitive Science / AI
The Cognitive Horizon
"An upcoming book, exploring how Artificial Intelligence, immersive realities, and emerging technologies are transforming human cognition and decision-making. Through the lens of cognitive science, it examines the evolving relationship between human and artificial intelligence."
✦ Still Writing — Release Soon
Education and the Nature of Human Beings
Non-Fiction / Education
Education and the Nature of Human Beings
"Sachin amalgamates his experience in this book which addresses multiple issues associated with education — offering an in-depth explanation of human being processes and proposing a unique model of education beyond traditional systems."
Read / Order →
The Lost Clouds Book Cover
Poetry Book
The Lost Clouds
"A doleful yet euphoric collection of love proclamations — memories intertwined with longing and deep grief, barely limiting itself from despondency. A world of burning longing and deep sorrow built by words, you are invited to take part in."
Read / Order →
Research Publication
2023
Cognitive Overload in Mixed-Reality Interactions: A Qualitative Analysis
View Paper →
2022
Lessons from a participatory study on violence and mental health in Sri Lanka
View Paper →
2021
A Qualitative Analysis of Community Attitudes and Beliefs towards Youth Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour
View Paper →
06 / Conferences
Conference Institute Year Place Link
Dubai AI Week 2025 Dubai Future Foundation 2025 Dubai View →
Gothenburg Artificial Intelligence Alliance Conference Gothenburg Artificial Intelligence Alliance (GAIA) 2025 Gothenburg View →
WASP4ALL 2024 – An open discussion on human-centred technologies Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) 2024 Stockholm View →
SweCog 2023 Swedish Cognitive Science Society (SWECOG) 2023 Gothenburg View →
AI for Humanity and Society 2022 Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanities and Society (WASP-HS) 2022 Gothenburg View →
CSS Annual Research Conference 2021 Cognitive Science Society 2021 Virtual View →
07 / Volunteer & Community
Event / Organization Position Year City Country Link
Gothenburg Artificial Intelligence Alliance Conference Event Organizer 2025 Gothenburg Sweden View →
Umefolk 2023/24 Event Organizer 2023/24 Umeå Sweden View →
RESET 2022: A Holistic Wellness Fair by Kalyana Event Organizer 2022 Colombo Sri Lanka View →
Project Bloom Program Monitoring & Evaluation Team 2022 Colombo Sri Lanka View →
Consumer Action Network Mental Health Lanka Project Co-ordinator 2021 Colombo Sri Lanka View →
Voice for Education Program Development and Training Lead 2021 Colombo Sri Lanka View →
TABOO 2020 by Pulse Event Organizer 2020 Colombo Sri Lanka View →
Let's Connect

Let's Build
Something
Meaningful.

Ready to improve how your organization thinks, decides, and acts? Let's start a conversation about how cognitive science can transform your strategy.

sachpalihawadana@gmail.com