News

Tue, 06/24/2025

Camryn Soo (HCDE BS '25) spent two years researching the department’s history, tracing its roots in post-war efforts to bring more humanities into engineering education. Through archival research, interviews, and coursework, she uncovered how decades of curricular innovation and cross-disciplinary programs shaped HCDE into what it is today. For Soo, that effort to “rethink engineering” remains a powerful throughline in the department’s identity.

Mon, 06/23/2025

As part of HCDE’s 2025 graduation events, Professor Kate Starbird delivered a special teach-in exploring the foundations and future of human-computer interaction. Starbird traced how the technologies we use every day emerged from federally funded research, and emphasized the continued importance of inclusive, human-centered research. Her talk urged graduates and guests to recognize the role of public investment in shaping technology that serves people.

Fri, 06/13/2025

On June 11, the Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering hosted its 2025 Graduation & Awards Ceremony, honoring the achievements of 220 graduates—90 bachelor’s, 127 master’s, and 3 doctoral students.  Find highlights and a recording of the ceremony here.

Fri, 06/13/2025

HCDE presents the 2025 Mikey Award to Dr. James Landay, honoring his lasting support of the department and his role in shaping UW’s HCI community through efforts like launching the DUB group and championing HCDE’s growth.

Tue, 05/27/2025

UW Engineering has launched two new stackable master’s degrees — and HCDE’s Graduate Certificate in User Centered Design is one of the building blocks. These new degrees let you customize your education by stacking interdisciplinary graduate certificates with a hands-on capstone project.

Fri, 05/16/2025

The ALACRITY Center, co-directed by HCDE Professor Sean Munson, is expanding access to quality mental health care by redesigning behavioral interventions to be more effective and accessible to all Americans. The Center collaborates across disciplines to integrate these treatments into primary care clinics, schools, and other community health settings. 

Fri, 05/16/2025

HCDE Assistant Professor Katya Cherukumilli is leading research to study and address issues with drinking water quality in Washington schools. In partnership with state agencies, her students are analyzing water testing data and identifying barriers that prevent schools from accessing and using available remediation funding. By bridging the gap between information and implementation, this work supports healthier school environments and promotes equity across the state.

Thu, 05/15/2025 | College of Engineering

HCDE senior Mishti Dhawan has been recognized with the 2025 Dean’s Medal for Leadership & Engagement, one of the highest student honors from the University of Washington College of Engineering. Presented by Dean Nancy Allbritton, this award recognizes Dhawan for her significant contributions to the HCDE community and her commitment to making engineering more inclusive and impactful beyond the classroom.

Thu, 05/15/2025

Researchers in the CHiLL Lab, led by HCDE Professor Julie Kientz, are developing new ways to help children think critically about artificial intelligence. One such effort is AI Puzzlers, a web-based game created by PhD student Aayushi Dangol that teaches kids to recognize the limits of generative AI. With AI Puzzlers, kids solve visual puzzles and compare their solutions to those generated by AI, sparking conversations about how AI works and when it can be unreliable. 

Wed, 05/14/2025 | UW News

Over 500,000 US tech workers were laid off between 2022 and 2024 — and the cuts continue. This week, Microsoft let go of more than 6,800 employees globally, nearly 2,000 of them in Washington. HCDE PhD student Samuel So led a study of 29 laid-off tech workers to understand the impact on employees. Many felt disillusioned with tech, calling the work unfulfilling despite plans to stay in the industry.