News

James Landay and Julie Kientz, both wearing regalia, pose with the glass Mikey Award at the HCDE Graduation Ceremnony

Fri, 06/13/2025

James Landay receives the 2025 Mikey Award

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.

stacked purple lego blocks with yellow background

Tue, 05/27/2025

Introducing stacked master’s degrees

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.

Person sitting outdoors on grass using a smartphone, with app icons visible on the screen. The background is bright and blurred, suggesting a sunny day in a park or campus setting.

Fri, 05/16/2025

HCDE impact: Improving mental healthcare for all Americans with UW’s ALACRITY Center

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.

Close up photo of a drinking fountain with water spouting out

Fri, 05/16/2025

HCDE impact: Bridging gaps to safe drinking water in Washington schools

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 receives College of Engineering Dean’s Medal for Leadership & Engagement

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.

Two students work together testing AI Puzzlers game on a desktop computer

Thu, 05/15/2025

HCDE impact: Helping kids think critically about AI

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.

Illustration of diverse people walking toward a glowing exit door, each carrying personal belongings in boxes or bags. The scene is cast in shades of gray, with individuals illuminated by beams of light leading toward the exit, symbolizing transition, change, or departure.

Wed, 05/14/2025 | UW News

Q&A with HCDE PhD student Samuel So: the "cruel optimism" of tech industry layoffs

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.

Bronze "W" sculpture at the University of Washington entrance at night, illuminated by streetlights with light trails from passing cars creating streaks of purple, pink, and white across the scene.

Tue, 05/13/2025

HCDE Impact: How federal research funding fueled a startup with global reach

Federal funding plays a vital role in advancing academic research that can spark innovation and economic impact, as seen in Professor Beth Kolko’s journey from researcher to founder of the medical device startup Shift Labs. Through a decade of federally and philanthropically funded work in global health and technology design, Kolko built a company that developed an intuitive infusion device used in both low-resource settings and US healthcare.

Satellite image of the United States at night, showing concentrated clusters of city lights

Mon, 04/28/2025

HCDE impact: Leading the nationwide effort to protect US research security

The SECURE Center, led by HCDE Professor Mark Haselkorn and supported by the National Science Foundation, is uniting the US research community to address critical security challenges while preserving the openness that drives scientific progress. By coordinating with regional centers and industry partners, SECURE ensures that US research remains protected, fostering both national security and economic competitiveness.

Four HCDE students wearing UW t-shirts pose in front of a classroom projector screen with the words 'journey maps' on it

Thu, 04/24/2025

HCDE impact: Inspiring Washington's K-12 students in Engineering

For over a decade, HCDE has brought human-centered design to K–12 classrooms across Washington state through hands-on, community-driven outreach. Led by students and faculty, the program inspires young learners to see themselves as designers and problem-solvers—especially in communities with limited access to STEM. Since relaunching in 2023, the program has reached over 350 students with age-appropriate, culturally responsive workshops.