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

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.

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

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

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

Zhu, Yuhao
Associate Professor of Computer Science
- Office Location
- 3501 Wegmans Hall
- yzhu@rochester.edu
- 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