James Pierce

James Pierce is an Associate Professor and Chair of Interaction Design at the University of Washington's Division of Design, with an adjunct role in the Human Centered Design and Engineering Department. He joined UW in 2020 and leads the NSF SECURE Center as National Design Lead. His research focuses on privacy, ethics, and design in IoT and AI technologies, emphasizing inclusive solutions for smart home devices and adjacent user privacy. He holds a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University and has been recognized with an NSF CAREER Award and multiple Best Paper distinctions at top conferences like CHI and DIS.

He explores design as a mode of inquiry, creating critical artifacts like the Arca smart camera and the Obscura 1C, which challenge norms around surveillance and digital ownership. His work bridges theory and practice, addressing social implications of technology through speculative design, participatory methods, and prototype-driven research. Key contributions include frameworks for True On/Off indicators, privacy speed bumps, and adjacent user privacy design patterns.

Pierce’s educational background spans applied mathematics, HCI, and design, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach. He has taught at California College of the Arts and UC Berkeley, and collaborates with institutions like UC Berkeley’s Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity. His research has been funded by NSF, the Rose Foundation, and Meta, yielding over 50 peer-reviewed publications and impactful prototypes that provoke reflection on technology’s societal role.

Awards include Best Paper Honorable Mentions at CHI 2021 and DIS 2023, as well as recognition for projects like the Arca camera’s inclusive design. His work often integrates speculative fiction, participatory workshops, and material prototyping to engage complex ethical issues in technology.