Human-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL)

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Director: Jessica Vitak
Associate Director: Joel Chan

The Human-Computer Interaction Lab has a long, rich history of transforming the experience people have with new technologies. From understanding user needs to developing and evaluating those technologies, the lab’s faculty, staff, and students have been leading the way in HCI research and teaching.

We believe it is critical to understand how the needs and dreams of people can be reflected in our future technologies. To this end, the HCIL develops advanced user interfaces and design methodology. Our primary activities include collaborative research, publication, and the sponsorship of open houses, workshops, and symposiums.

We are jointly supported by the College of Information Studies (iSchool) and the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS). Our faculty come from a variety of departments across campus including computer science, education, psychology, journalism, and the humanities. We are brought together by a core focus on understanding how to design technologies to support positive impact in the world.

Our research focuses on:

• Accessibility
• Children as Design Partners
• Computational Journalism
• Open Data & Citizen Science
• STEM Learning through Alternate Reality Games
• Tech to Engage Communities
• User Privacy
• Visual Browser Interface
• Visualization
• Wearable Technology​