Faculty and research scientists in the department of Human Centered Design & Engineering run directed research groups, which offer students a wide range of opportunities to do hands-on work, from conducting usability tests for local companies all the way to collecting data on communication issues internationally.
Students interested in participating in directed research must get permission directly from the faculty member leading the group. Undergraduate students enroll in HCDE 496, while graduate students register for HCDE 596. HCDE MS students are required to register for the PCE section of HCDE 596. For details on how to register, please visit the Variable Credit Registration Policy.
Students are encouraged to check this list frequently as Directed Research Groups are added leading up to the beginning of the quarter.
Spring 2026
- Designing and Testing Data Collection and Science Communication Tools for Safe Drinking Water (Cherukumilli, Li)
- AR Face Filters in Online Interviews: Data Collection and Performance-Scoring Tools (Lindner, Zachry)
- The crisis in US science: Exploring the trajectory (Moldestad, Kolko)
- Technology Impacts, Community Futures: Engaging Marine Energy Engineers on Community Concerns (Hirsch, Twedt)
- Unlearning in design education (Arpita)
- HCDE in Engineering Discovery Days (Arpita)
FULL FOR SPRING; NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
- Rainier Valley Food Bank: Analyzing the Shopping Experience (Davidson)
- (Counter) Data Visualizations for Storytelling (Dhawka, Turns)
- Designing Experiences and Futures Beyond AI Harm (Sinlapanuntakul, Zachry)
- Speculative Futures with the Science Fiction Archive of Sociotechnical Imaginaries: Design Through Critical Reflection (Fox, Capella)
- Data Analysis & Visualization Creation - Aviation & Mental Health (Perkins, Aragon)
- Designing for AI-Enhanced Self-Management (Tang, Turns)
- CoMotion Website Performance Analysis (Bouchegnies, Aragon)
- Online Representations of Professional Women’s Athletics (Awwal, Lutz, Starbird)
- Dear Design: Translating Design Signatures for a broader audience (Atman, Capella)
Registration process
To register for a variable credit course, students should first consult a faculty member or advisor to obtain an instructor code. HCDE MS students are required to register for the PCE sections of HCDE 596 and HCDE 599.
To register for a variable credit course, students must collect the following information:
- Course SLN (from MyPlan or the Time Schedule)
- Faculty code (from the instructor)
- Number of Credits* (from the instructor)
*One credit equates to three hours of work each week. Students should discuss the number of credits with the supervising instructor.