University of Maryland Human–Computer Interaction Lab

The HCIL logo in cake form

The Human–Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL) at the University of Maryland, College Park is one of the oldest and longest running HCI labs in the world. Founded in 1983 by Ben Shneiderman, HCIL members design, implement, and evaluate new interface technologies that are universally usable, useful, efficient and appealing to a broad cross-section of people. To this end, the HCIL develops advanced user interfaces and design methods. Primary activities include collaborative research, publication and the sponsorship of open houses, workshops and symposia.

The HCIL is an interdisciplinary lab with faculty and students from Information Studies, Computer Science, Education, English, Business, and Psychology. Current work includes new approaches to information visualization, interfaces for digital libraries, multimedia resources for learning communities, and zooming user interface (ZUIs). HCIL pioneered technology design methods with and for children, mobile and pen-based computing, and instruments for evaluating user interface technologies. Its many projects are showcased at the annual Human-Computer Interaction Lab Symposium.^[1]

The lab is currently directed by June Ahn (2015-); its previous directors are Ben Shneiderman (1983-2000), Ben Bederson (2000-2006), Allison Druin (2006-2011), Jen Golbeck (2011-2015), and Mona Leigh Guha (interim director 2015).^[2]

Contributions

Early research contributions were on hypertext and hyperlinking, which helped make the World Wide Web so popular. HCIL researchers developed high-precision touchscreen applications, including small keyboards that are now widely used on smartphones. Early information visualization research on dynamic queries led to the commercial Spotfire product and the treemapping strategies.

Later contributions included research on designing technology for children, network analysis and visualization using NodeXL, and event analytics for electronic patient histories.

Collaborators and members

The HCIL is a fundamentally interdisciplinary place. In addition to members from around campus, it actively collaborates with other departments, centers and labs on campus. It regularly hosts academic and industrial visitors, and of course works closely with project sponsors.^[3]

Notable current and former members

• Ben Shneiderman, founding director and outreach, ACM CHI Academy member, ACM Fellow, member of the National Academy of Engineering
• Kent Norman, founding member, Directory of the Laboratory for Automation Psychology
• Jenny Preece, lab member, ACM CHI Academy member, former Dean of the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland
• Ben Bederson, lab member, ACM CHI Academy member, known for foundational work in zoomable interfaces
• Allison Druin, lab member, ACM CHI Social Impact Award winner, known for foundational work in participatory design with children and designing interactive technology for and with children
• Catherine Plaisant, assistant director, ACM CHI Academy member, senior research scientist
• Jen Golbeck, lab member, former lab director
• Don Hopkins,^[4] former student and pie menu creator

External links

• http://www.cs.umd.edu/hcil/

References

University of Maryland, College Park Academics A. James Clark School of Engineering College of Agriculture and Natural Resources School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation College of Arts and Humanities College of Behavioral and Social Sciences College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences College of Education College of Information Studies Philip Merrill College of Journalism Robert H. Smith School of Business School of Music School of Public Health School of Public Policy QUEST Honors Fellows College Park Scholars Honors College Athletics Teams Baseball Field hockey Football Men's basketball Men's lacrosse Men's soccer Women's basketball Women's lacrosse Facilities Xfinity Center Maryland Stadium Cole Field House Shipley Field Ludwig Field Golf Course Taylor Stadium Ritchie Coliseum Old Byrd Stadium Rivalries Duke Johns Hopkins Navy Penn State Virginia West Virginia University of Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame Midnight Madness Campus Landmarks Adele H. Stamp Student Union "M" Circle McKeldin Mall Memorial Chapel Morrill Hall The Rossborough Inn Arts and recreation Arboretum & Botanical Garden The Art Gallery Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Observatory Tawes Theatre Facilities Libraries Security Operations Center Transportation Shuttle-UM College Park–University of Maryland Station People Alumni Faculty Benefactors Presidents Student life Student groups List of student organizations Greek life Mighty Sound of Maryland Monarchy Party Media Capital News Service The Diamondback UMTV WMUC-FM