Jump to content

University of Maryland Human–Computer Interaction Lab

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is an old revision of this page, as edited by WalkerUMD (talk | contribs) at 07:48, 8 December 2020 (Additional citation edits). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Human-Computer Interaction Lab
AbbreviationHCIL
Formation1983
FounderBen Shneiderman
HeadquartersHornbake Library, College Park, Maryland
Parent organization
University of Maryland, College Park
AffiliationsUniversity of Maryland College of Information Studies, University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS)
Websitehcil.umd.edu

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 popular UI design elements still widely used today.[6][7] In 1989, the lab developed high-precision touchscreen applications for small keyboards that are now widely used on smartphones.[8] Information visualization research on dynamic queries in the early 1990's led to the commercial Spotfire product[9] and treemapping strategies.[10][11] Notable developments in HCI within the 21st century include new approaches to information visualization, interfaces for digital libraries, multimedia resources for learning communities, and zooming user interfaces (ZUIs).[12] Additional contributions include developments in technology design methods for children, mobile and pen-based computing, and instruments for evaluating user interface technologies.[12] Its projects are showcased at the lab's annual HCIL Symposium.[13][14]


As of December, 2020, 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[15] 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

References

  1. ^ "Biography | Niklas Elmqvist, Ph.D." Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  2. ^ a b "HCIL Overview". Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  3. ^ "Event Archive – HCIL". Retrieved 2020-12-06.
  4. ^ "Collaborating Groups and People – HCIL". Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  5. ^ "Faculty – HCIL". Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  6. ^ 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. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  7. ^ "The Invention of Hyperlinks". Psychology Today. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  8. ^ 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
  9. ^ "Dynamic queries, starfield displays, and the path to Spotfire". www.cs.umd.edu. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  10. ^ Shneiderman, Ben (1992). "Tree visualization with tree-maps: 2-d space-filling approach". ACM Transactions on Graphics. 11: 92–99. doi:10.1145/102377.115768. hdl:1903/367. S2CID 1369287.
  11. ^ Ben Shneiderman; Catherine Plaisant (June 25, 2009). "Treemaps for space-constrained visualization of hierarchies ~ Including the History of Treemap Research at the University of Maryland". Retrieved February 23, 2010.
  12. ^ a b "HCIL History – HCIL". Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  13. ^ "2020 Symposium – HCIL".
  14. ^ "2020 Program". hcil.umd.edu. Retrieved 2020-12-08. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  15. ^ "EventFlow: Visual Analysis of Temporal Event Sequences and Advanced Strategies for Healthcare Discovery – HCIL".
  16. ^ "Past Members and PhD Alumni – HCIL".
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=University_of_Maryland_Human–Computer_Interaction_Lab&oldid=993003942"