Human-Computer Interaction

What is Human-Computer Interaction?

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is the interdisciplinary field focused on designing and studying how people interact with computer systems. HCI combines computer science, psychology, and design to create user-friendly, accessible, and efficient interfaces.

This research enhances user experiences across various platforms, including mobile apps, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), wearable devices, and smart environments.

Areas of Focus

Our HCI researchers lead pioneering projects to:

  • Design intuitive, accessible user interfaces that improve usability and increase user satisfaction across diverse populations
  • Develop immersive augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) applications for enhanced human-computer experiences
  • Explore social computing and collaborative systems that facilitate online interaction, communication, and teamwork
  • Create adaptive, personalized systems using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to tailor digital experiences
  • Innovate natural interaction methods such as gesture recognition, speech input, eye-tracking, and touch controls
  • Conduct empirical user studies to analyze behavior, cognitive load, and emotional responses for better system design
  • Advance health technology by designing assistive devices and wellness tools to improve rehabilitation and accessibility
  • Build interactive educational technologies that support effective and engaging digital learning environments
  • Promote inclusive design by developing accessibility solutions for users with disabilities and diverse needs
  • Implement and evaluate interactive systems in real-world settings to ensure practical usability and impact
A computer science student (seated) interacts with SAPIEN, an avatar built by the team as a PhD student looks on.

Building Intuitive Digital Experiences

Human-Computer Interaction Research at Rochester

At the University of Rochester, human-computer interaction research combines cutting-edge technology with a human-centered design approach. The Rochester HCI group is a vibrant, interdisciplinary community of computer scientists, designers, psychologists, and engineers dedicated to advancing HCI research.

Human-Computer Interaction Researchers

Meet the faculty at the forefront of human-computer interaction research.

Zhen Bai

Bai, Zhen

Biggar Family Fellow in Data Science, Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Office Location
3007 Wegmans Hall
Telephone
(585) 275-7758
Web Address
Website

Interests: Human-Computer Interaction; Augmented Reality; Tangible User Interfaces; Embodied Conversational Agent; Technology-Enhanced Learning; Computer-Supported Collaborative Work; Assistive Technology; Machine Learning for HCI

Ehsan Hoque

Hoque, Ehsan

Professor of Computer Science

Office Location
3013 Wegmans Hall
Telephone
(585) 275-1351
Web Address
Website

Interests: Human Computer Interaction; Artificial Intelligence ; Interactive machine learning; Health and wellbeing; Future of skills

Yukang Yan

Yan, Yukang

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Office Location
3103 Wegmans Hall
Web Address
Website

Interests: Human-Computer Interaction; Human Behavior Modeling; Virtual/Augmented Reality

Yuhao Zhu

Zhu, Yuhao

Associate Professor of Computer Science

Office Location
3501 Wegmans Hall
Web Address
Website

Interests: Computer Systems and Architecture; Computer Imaging and Graphics; Augmented/Virtual Reality; Human (Visual) Perception and Cognition; Computational Art, Art History, and Aesthetics