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Human-Centered Computing

Our work in human-centered computing explores and enhances the ways in which people and communities engage with and experience technology. 

Our research considers the personal, educational, cultural, and ethical implications of innovation. Drawing upon techniques from human-computer interaction, learning sciences, sensing and more, we aim to maximize the potential benefits of technology while minimizing potential harms to individuals, groups and society.


Groups & Labs

A group of four students erect community broadband networking apparatus on a rooftop

Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD) Lab

The ICTD Lab explores how technology can improve the lives of underserved populations in low-income regions through research spanning HCI, systems, communication and data analytics.

A student wearing an Oculus headset motions toward a screen displaying a virtual character

UW Reality Lab

The UW Reality Lab advances the state of the art in virtual and augmented reality by developing new technologies and applications, educating the next generation of researchers and technologists, and supporting robust collaborations with industry.


Faculty Members


Centers & Initiatives

DFab is a network of researchers, educators, industry partners, and community members advancing the field of digital fabrication at UW and in the greater Seattle region.

Change is a cross-campus collaboration that explores the challenges of developing technology in the context of positive social change. It seeks to make connections between researchers, outside organizations, and the public to inspire the development of new capabilities aligned with the interests of those most in need.

Highlights


Computing Research Association

The Computing Research Association recognized Schulz for her research and leadership in computer graphics, including her work to advance new computational tools for manufacturing-oriented design.

Allen School News

Dell (Ph.D., ’15) combines the fields of human-computer interaction and computer security and privacy to improve the lives of overlooked communities. The Allen School recognized her with the 2025 Alumni Impact Award, honoring former students with exceptional records of achievement.

Allen School News

Sharma (Ph.D., ‘24) won the 2024 award from the Association for Computing Machinery for leveraging AI to make high-quality mental health support more accessible, and Min (Ph.D., ‘24) received an honorable mention for developing a new class of efficient and flexible language models.