Human-Computer Interaction Research at UCLA: Shaping the Future of Technology

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a multidisciplinary field focused on the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use and with the study of major phenomena surrounding them. At UCLA, HCI research encompasses a broad range of topics, from sensing technologies and physical AI to distributed mobile systems and user-centered design. This article explores the innovative research being conducted at UCLA in the field of HCI, with a focus on the HiLab and its contributions to this rapidly evolving area.

Understanding Human-Computer Interaction

HCI is both a method and a discipline. HCI researchers aim to make computer technologies better for humans, focusing on users within the context of computing applications. These applications span a wide range of areas, including:

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Internet of Things (IoT)
Wearables
Haptics
Digital Health
Accessibility

At HiLab, HCI is defined by three key principles:

Studying human-related signals: Understanding how humans interact with technology.
Focusing on technologies with user applications: Ensuring that research has practical relevance.
Building systems with users in the loop: Involving users in the design and evaluation process.

Research Areas in HCI at UCLA

UCLA's HCI research spans several key areas, each contributing to the advancement of interactive technologies.

Sensing Technologies for Next-Generation Computing

UCLA researchers are actively developing sensing technologies for next-generation computing devices. The goal is to create devices that can perceive users and their environments, enabling more intuitive and responsive interactions. This research aligns with the vision of physical AI systems that adapt to our daily tasks in a practical, inclusive, and sustainable manner.

Read also: Exploring UMich Human Resources

Physical AI Systems

The development of physical AI systems is a significant focus. These systems are designed to actively adapt to our daily tasks, making technology more integrated and responsive to human needs. This involves creating AI that is not only intelligent but also physically present and able to interact with the world around it.

Distributed and Mobile Systems

Another area of focus is the study and design of distributed and often mobile systems. These systems involve computers, vehicles, people, and sensors interconnected by a communications network. This research is crucial for developing technologies that can seamlessly integrate into our increasingly mobile and interconnected lives.

Multi-Disciplinary Interactive Systems

UCLA takes a multi-disciplinary approach to study, design, and build interactive systems for diverse users working on a broad range of applications. This includes scientists, artists, journalists, and students working on applications such as research, policy, fabrication, software, and AI. The collaborative nature of this research fosters innovation and ensures that the developed systems are user-friendly and effective.

Graphics and Image Analysis

Research also involves the synthesis and analysis of images by computer. This includes graphics rendering, motion capture, and geometric, physics-based, and artificial life modeling/animation for the movie and game industries. These technologies enhance the visual experience in entertainment and have applications in various fields, including simulation and training.

HiLab: A Hub for HCI Research

HiLab at UCLA is a prominent research group dedicated to advancing the field of HCI. The lab is actively involved in various projects and is always looking for motivated students to join their team.

Joining HiLab

HiLab welcomes students at all levels who are interested in Human-Computer Interaction research with technical backgrounds. The lab seeks students who demonstrate strong self-motivation and persistence in tackling research problems. While a technical background in Electrical Engineering (EE) or Computer Science (CS) is beneficial, it is not always mandatory. Many active projects require students with experience in programming, embedded system development, and circuit design.

Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to Yang (likely referring to a professor or principal investigator) to discuss their application beforehand. This is especially important given the highly competitive graduate application process at UCLA. Reaching out and working with HiLab can be a great way to initiate collaborations, potentially leading to future collaborations, thesis committee membership, or recommendation letters.

When contacting HiLab, it is recommended to send a CV along with project ideas that address:

Why the problem is important.
How previous research has addressed the problem.
What new contributions this project can introduce.

Lab Values and Community

HiLab places a strong emphasis on ethics, diversity, and community. The lab expects all members to be nice and kind, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. UCLA ECE has a wide spectrum of research focuses, from AI/ML and quantum computing to millimeter-wave and photon detection systems, which requires each member of the community to take personal interests out of calculation when evaluating each other's research contribution. HiLab's values align with those of Jennifer Mankoff's Make4all lab, which serves as an exemplar for ethical and inclusive research practices.

Publications and Impact

HiLab primarily publishes at ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) conferences and journals on Human-Computer Interaction. These publications contribute to the broader HCI community and help shape the future of interactive technologies.

Cookies and Data Usage in HCI Research

In the context of HCI research, understanding how users interact with technology often involves the use of cookies and data collection. These tools are used to:

Deliver and maintain services.
Track outages and protect against spam, fraud, and abuse.
Measure audience engagement and site statistics to understand how services are used and enhance their quality.
Develop and improve new services.
Deliver and measure the effectiveness of ads.
Show personalized content and ads, depending on user settings.
Tailor the experience to be age-appropriate, if relevant.

Users have the option to accept or reject the use of cookies for additional purposes such as personalized content and ads. Non-personalized content is influenced by factors like the content being viewed, activity in the current search session, and location. Personalized content and ads can include more relevant results, recommendations, and tailored ads based on past activity from the browser.

The Future of HCI Research at UCLA

UCLA's contributions to HCI research are shaping the future of technology. By focusing on user-centered design, sensing technologies, and physical AI systems, UCLA is developing innovative solutions that enhance the way humans interact with computers. The work being done at HiLab and other research groups within UCLA is driving advancements in various fields, including healthcare, education, entertainment, and accessibility.

The university's commitment to ethics, diversity, and community ensures that these advancements are developed with the needs of all users in mind. As technology continues to evolve, UCLA will remain at the forefront of HCI research, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and creating a more seamless and intuitive human-computer experience.

tags: #human #computer #interaction #UCLA #research