Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

Blending cognitive science, computer science, web and mobile app design, usability, and research, the Design Lab's work in human-computer interaction (HCI) is comprehensive and multidisciplinary. Researchers at the lab explore the cognitive and behavioral aspects of how people interact within physical, augmented, and virtual environments. This research is deeply informed by an understanding of how people perceive and engage with technology, particularly within complex socio-technical systems.

The Design Lab’s work in HCI spans the design and development of technologies for digital health, robotics, human-technology teamwork, and novel interaction methods to augment human creativity and build systems that seamlessly integrate into workflows, enhance productivity, and improve user experience. Across these initiatives, the Design Lab’s HCI research goes beyond understanding human behavior in augmented environments to design technology that is intuitive, accessible, and aligned with human needs and values, ensuring that technology serves as a supportive and enhancing presence in our everyday lives.

Affiliated Research Organizations

• Center for Health Design; Director: Eliah Aronoff-Spencer
• Center for Wireless & Population Health Systems; Director: Eric Hekler
• Creativity Lab; Director: Haijun Xia
• CSEducation; Faculty: Bill Griswold; Affiliated faculty: Philip Guo
• Digital Health Technologies Lab; Principal Investigator: Edward Jay Wang
• Healthcare Robotics Lab; Principal Investigator: Laurel Riek
• Human-centered eXtended Intelligence Research Lab; Director: Nadir Weibel
• Interactive Cognition Lab; Director: David Kirsh
• Just Transitions Initiative; Co-Directors: Lilly Irani, Manuel Shvartzberg Carrió
• Mental Health in Design Lab; Founder and director: Elizabeth Eikey
• Protolab; Director: Steven Dow
• UC San Diego Labor Center; founding Faculty Director: Lilly Irani