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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

Human-Centered Robotics Lab photo of a robot assisting with picking up a bottle

Human-Centered Robotics Lab

In the Human-Centered Robotics lab we aim to develop robotics that are useful and usable for future users of task-oriented robots.

A hand stacking square blocks in ascending heights like a graph

Interactive Data Lab

The Interactive Data Lab aims to enhance people’s ability to understand and communicate data through the design of new interactive systems for data visualization and analysis.


Allen School Faculty

Assistant Teaching Professor

Associate Teaching Professor

Assistant Professor

Associate Professor


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.

Society + Technology is a cross-campus, cross-disciplinary initiative and community at the University of Washington that is dedicated to research, teaching and learning focused on the social, societal and justice dimensions of technology.

Highlights


American Academy of Arts & Sciences

Professor Magda Balazinska was honored for her influential contributions in data management and data science, while Professor Shwetak Patel was recognized for his groundbreaking work applying computing to health and sustainability.

UW News

Researchers in the Allen School’s Mobile Intelligence Lab developed VueBuds, the first system that incorporates tiny cameras in off-the-shelf wireless earbuds as a less-intrusive, more privacy-preserving alternative to smart glasses.

Allen School News

The ACM Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (SIGCHI) recently honored Froehlich (Ph.D., ‘11) for his work to improve pedestrian infrastructure across the globe and tackle a range of other accessibility challenges using AI and HCI.