Kai Lukoff

Dr. Kai Lukoff is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at Santa Clara University, leading the Human-Computer Interaction Lab. His research focuses on digital wellbeing, ethical design of technologies with social impact, and collaborative augmented reality projects with Indigenous communities. He holds a PhD from the University of Washington and previously worked in mobile tech startups in China.

Education:

• PhD in Human Centered Design & Engineering, University of Washington (2022)
• B.A. in Political Science, Stanford University (2008)

Research Interests: Dr. Lukoff investigates how digital interfaces affect user agency and wellbeing. His work includes redesigning social media features to improve digital health, creating culturally-sensitive AR projects like the Thámien Ohlone tour with Native American partners, and developing tools to combat attention-capturing designs. He emphasizes human-centered methods and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Recent Achievements:

• 2023 ACM SIGCHI Outstanding Dissertation Award
• Niantic 8th Wall Grand Prize for AR storytelling
• NSF CRII Award ($174k) for SMAR research method development
• CHI 2024 Best Video Award for 'We Are Still Here'

Lab & Teaching: Teaches courses in HCI, software engineering, and attention management. His lab focuses on AR for social justice, digital self-control tools, and participatory design with marginalized communities. Current projects include the Ohlone AR tour and systematic mobile app review frameworks.