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 a strong foundation in engineering principles and human-centered design. The curriculum emphasizes user research, interface design, information visualization, and web development, preparing students to investigate how people interact with technology across contexts.
The Master of Science prepares students for professional and leadership roles in user experience research and design, interaction and interface design, product design, and human-computer interaction. Evening courses support a diverse community of full-time and part-time students.
The Doctor of Philosophy is a research-focused program where students gain in-depth experience studying the design, development, and impact of technologies. Through advanced coursework, faculty mentorship, and peer collaboration, the HCDE PhD prepares graduates for careers in academia, industry research, and public service.
The Graduate Certificate in User-Centered Design is a five-course certificate program where students explore how usability studies and interaction design can influence web design and product development, and explore the latest innovations in the field.
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 |
Research
More About HCDE
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.
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.
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.