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About

About

The University of Washington's Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) prioritizes equity and empathy in the construction of the future. We connect complex methodologies, systems, and technologies to critical needs in everyday life.

HCDE resides in Seattle on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations. We respectfully acknowledge their stewardship of this land throughout the generations.

MISSION

We build possibility. We advance systems and technologies for people and communities to create accessible, sustainable, and prosperous futures.

We create intersections. We thrive at the critical junction of research, education, and community to cultivate equity, access, and opportunity.

VISION

We believe a just future is possible. We will be the leading academic program integrating empathy and collaboration to design and engineer equitable practices, tools, and technologies across the globe.

 

View our five-year strategic plan

Degree Programs

The Bachelor of Science provides students with user research and design skills, coupled with a solid foundation in math and science.

The Master of Science fosters and advances students' knowledge and skills in the design and evaluation of information products, technologies, and user interfaces.

The Doctor of Philosophy provides unparalleled depth and experience for students interested in studying the conception, design, implementation, usability, and evaluation of technologies for specific audiences or user groups.

The User-Centered Design certificate program provides students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of issues in usability and user-centered design.

Faculty

19

Tenured and tenure-track and research faculty

7

Faculty career teaching professors

22

Joint or adjunct faculty from other UW departments

29

Affiliate faculty from industry and external research and educational institutions

View our faculty

Research


Research Areas

HCDE researchers advance the study and practice of design to improve people's experiences with technology and the world around them.


Research Labs & Centers

In HCDE's 17 research labs and 2 centers, students work with faculty on their latest research projects.

More About HCDE

Cover of Designing Up - Sieg Building with purple filter overlay
2023 Designing Up

The department of Human Centered Design & Engineering annually publishes Designing Up, a magazine which features news from our faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

2023 issue

Text says Build Possibility
HCDE Strategic Plan

The HCDE five-year Strategic Plan, launched in 2019, is designed to align the department around a bold path for the next five years.

About the plan

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Celebrating 30 years

On the 30th anniversary of the department, we review the growth of our programs since Mike White and Jim Souther began teaching technical communication courses in 1974.

Our history