University of Maryland Human–Computer Interaction Lab
![]() The HCIL logo in cake form | |
Abbreviation | HCIL |
---|---|
Formation | 1983 |
Founder | Ben Shneiderman |
Headquarters | Hornbake Library, College Park, Maryland |
Parent organization | University of Maryland, College Park |
Affiliations | University of Maryland College of Information Studies, University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS) |
Website | hcil |
The Human–Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL) at the University of Maryland, College Park is an academic research center specializing in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI). Founded in 1983 by Ben Shneiderman, it is one of the oldest HCI labs of its kind.[1] The HCIL conducts research on the design, implementation, and evaluation of computer interface technologies. Additional research focuses on the development of user interfaces and design methods.[2] Primary activities of the HCIL include collaborative research, publication and the sponsorship of open houses, workshops and annual symposiums.[3]
Being interdisciplinary in nature, HCIL collaborates on a broader basis with several academic departments and schools, with faculty and students from Information Studies, Computer Science, Education, English, Business, and Psychology.[4][5] Currently, the lab is jointly supported by the College of Information Studies (iSchool) and the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS).[2]
Research affiliated with the HCIL has led to several landmark computer design principles based on Schneiderman's theory of direct manipulation. Early research contributions on hypertext, particularly hyperlinking, are UI design principles that are still widely used by computers today.[6][7] In 1989, the lab developed high-precision touchscreen applications for small keyboards that are now widely used on smartphones.[8][9] Early information visualization research on dynamic queries led to the commercial Spotfire product and the treemapping strategies.[citation needed]
Current[when?] work includes new approaches to information visualization, interfaces for digital libraries, multimedia resources for learning communities, and zooming user interface (ZUIs). HCIL pioneered[citation needed] technology design methods with and for children, mobile and pen-based computing, and instruments for evaluating user interface technologies. Its projects are showcased at the annual Human-Computer Interaction Lab Symposium.[10]
As of December, 2020[update], the lab is directed by Niklas Elmqvist. Its previous directors are Ben Shneiderman (1983-2000), Ben Bederson (2000-2006), Allison Druin (2006–2011), Jen Golbeck (2011-2015), Mona Leigh Guha (interim director 2015), and June Ahn (2015-2016).
Contributions
Later contributions included research on designing technology for children, network analysis and visualization using NodeXL, and event analytics[11] for electronic patient histories.
Events and Outreach
HCIL collaborates with other departments, centers and labs on campus. It hosts academic and industrial visitors, and works closely with project sponsors.
Notable current and former members
- Ben Shneiderman, founding director and outreach, ACM CHI Academy member, ACM Fellow, member of the National Academy of Engineering
- Kent Norman, founding member, Directory of the Laboratory for Automation Psychology
- Jenny Preece, lab member, ACM CHI Academy member, former Dean of the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland
- Ben Bederson, lab member, ACM CHI Academy member, known for foundational work in zoomable interfaces
- Allison Druin, lab member, ACM CHI Academy member, ACM CHI Social Impact Award winner, known for foundational work in participatory design with children and designing interactive technology for and with children, former lab director
- Catherine Plaisant, associate director, ACM CHI Academy member, senior research scientist
- Jen Golbeck, lab member, former lab director
- Don Hopkins,[12] former student and pie menu creator
- Gary Marchionini, former lab member (now at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, since 1998)
References
- ^ "Biography | Niklas Elmqvist, Ph.D." Retrieved 2020-12-08.
- ^ a b "HCIL Overview". Retrieved December 2, 2020.
- ^ "Event Archive – HCIL". Retrieved 2020-12-06.
- ^ "Collaborating Groups and People – HCIL". Retrieved 2020-12-08.
- ^ "Faculty – HCIL". Retrieved 2020-12-08.
- ^ Marchionini, G.; Shneiderman, B. (January 1988). "Finding facts vs. browsing knowledge in hypertext systems". Computer. 21 (1): 70–80. doi:10.1109/2.222119. ISSN 1558-0814. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
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(help) - ^ "The Invention of Hyperlinks". Psychology Today. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
- ^ "HCIL History – HCIL". Retrieved 2020-12-08.
- ^ Sears, A., Shneiderman, B. (August 1989). International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, (1991) 34, 4, 593-613. "High precision touchscreens: design strategies and comparisons with a mouse" HCIL-89-17, CS-TR-2268, CAR-TR-450
- ^ "2020 Symposium – HCIL".
- ^ "EventFlow: Visual Analysis of Temporal Event Sequences and Advanced Strategies for Healthcare Discovery – HCIL".
- ^ "Past Members and PhD Alumni – HCIL".