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
Graphics & Imaging Lab (GRAIL)
The work of the Graphics & Imaging Laboratory spans computer graphics, computer vision, generative AI, computational photography, virtual reality, animation and games.
Animation Research Labs (ARL)
The interdisciplinary ARL advances the state of the art in animation through research, teaching, and computer-animated production.
Faculty Members
Centers & Initiatives
Global Innovation Exchange is the University of Washington’s
engineering and business institute for emerging and established
technology leaders. GIX partners with corporate, government and non-profit organizations to deliver transformational learning through graduate education, global experiences and professional development programs.
engineering and business institute for emerging and established
technology leaders. GIX partners with corporate, government and non-profit organizations to deliver transformational learning through graduate education, global experiences and professional development programs.
LCI (pronounced “Lacey”) is a community of researchers, educators, students who are passionate researchers and practitioners of computing education. Members span the Allen School, Information School, College of Education, Department of Human-Centered Design & Engineering, Department of Communication and eScience Institute.
Highlights
UW News
A study led by Allen School professor Tim Althoff and published in Nature offers the strongest evidence to date of the link between physical activity and the built environment.
UW News
Allen School researchers presented a study at ACL 2025 that found people who interacted with a conservative or liberal version of ChatGPT began mirroring the model’s bias in their views on a set of issues and funding priorities—regardless of their own political leanings.
Allen School News
Balazinska was elected to the WSAS, which provides scientific and technical advice to state policymakers, based on her “contributions in data management for data science, big data systems, cloud computing, and image/video analytics and leadership in data science education.”