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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

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Animation Research Labs (ARL)

The interdisciplinary ARL advances the state of the art in animation through research, teaching, and computer-animated production.

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Behavioral Data Science Group

The Behavioral Data Science Group leverages large-scale behavioral data to extract actionable insights about our lives, health and happiness by combining techniques from data science, social network analysis, and natural language processing.


Faculty Members

Faculty

Faculty


Centers & Initiatives

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.

The interdisciplinary DUB group at the University of Washington advances research, collaboration and teaching related to the interaction between design, people, and technology.

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.