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Karen CochraneView profile

Assistant Professor

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Mental Health Technologies
• Accessibility
• +6 more

Dr. Karen Cochrane is an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on wearable and tangible computing for mental health and accessibility. Her research integrates soma design, autoethnography, and design fiction to address the needs of underrepresented communities, particularly those with disabilities. Key projects include developing assistive technologies for queer/crip identities, accessible gaming wearables, and tactile interfaces for sensory exploration. She explores embodied experiences through multidisciplinary approaches, blending traditional craft practices with modern computational tools. Her work prioritizes participatory design methodologies, collaborating with occupational therapists, disabled communities, and neurodivergent individuals to co-create inclusive technologies. Recent innovations include VARitouch (a haptic feedback device), Breathing Scarf (for emotional regulation), and adaptive switches for children with motor disabilities. Her research extends into sensory narratives, exploring how fabric and data can articulate bodily experiences through projects like Sensory Data Dialogues and Queer/Crip Body Mapping. While no formal grants or awards are listed, her publications reflect a strong focus on ethical technology, accessibility, and embodied interaction. Current projects emphasize the intersection of wearable tech with identity expression, mindfulness practices, and neuromotor rehabilitation. She actively designs prototypes that bridge clinical needs with creative technology solutions, though specific lab affiliations or team collaborations are not detailed in available texts.

Lizzie MullerView profile

Associate Professor

• Critical Heritage Studies
• Museum and Archive Studies
• Art History and Theory
• +9 more

Associate Professor Lizzie Muller serves as Director of Research in the School of Art & Design at the University of New South Wales. An accomplished curator and researcher, she specializes in audience experience and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a particular focus on the future of museums as sites of knowledge production. Her research bridges curatorial practice with theories and methods from participatory design and interaction design, developing audience-centered curatorial methodologies and innovative approaches to audience research. Her work extends to preservation and archiving, particularly experiential documentation and oral histories of media art. Co-author of Curating Lively Objects: Exhibitions Beyond Disciplines (Routledge Museum Studies Series, 2022) Elected Councillor of the Sydney Culture Network Co-founder of the bi-monthly Sydney Culture Data Salon with Keir Winesmith Muller's research output demonstrates a consistent trajectory exploring the intersection of art, science, and technology through major international exhibitions including Human Non Human (Powerhouse Museum, 2018/19) and A Working Model of the World (staged across UNSW Galleries, Parsons School of Design, and University of Dundee). Her recent work focuses on art-science collaborations, deep time history through the ARC Centre for Excellence in Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, and the development of audience-centered curatorial frameworks. Scientific Awards: 2024 ADA Deans Award for Excellence in Higher Degree Supervision Muller leads significant research initiatives as Chief Investigator on multiple ARC-funded projects including the ARC Linkage project Curating Third Space: The Value of ArtScience Collaboration and SSHRC-funded research on The Living Effect and Curating Lively Objects . She has supervised numerous PhD and MFA candidates, with a special focus on curatorial practice-based research, and currently serves as Program Director of the Master of Curating and Cultural Leadership at UNSW Art & Design.

Felix A. EppView profile

Researcher

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Wearable Technology
• Design Research
• +5 more

Felix A. Epp is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Aalto University's Department of Design, with an external position at the University of Helsinki (2024-2026). His work sits at the intersection of human-computer interaction, wearable technology, and design research, focusing on how interactive technologies shape human practices and future societies. Education: Doctor of Science in Technology, Aalto University (2023) Master's degree in Arts and Design, Hochschule Darmstadt (2014) Bachelor's degree in Arts and Design, Hochschule Darmstadt (2011) Epp's research explores embodied technological experiences and technology-mediated social practices, with a particular focus on wearable technologies and their impact on social-cultural practices. His doctoral work investigated how wearables shape clothing practices, and his recent work integrates critical futures studies with practice-based research to incorporate anticipation in technology innovation. He employs generative design research and qualitative fieldwork methods, including research through design in everyday contexts and participatory design approaches. His fingerprint reveals strong engagement with Wearable Technology (100%), Human-Computer Interaction (62%), and Design Research (56%). His publication record shows a clear trajectory toward anticipatory design and futures thinking in HCI, with increasing focus on how technologies can help us engage with uncertain futures. His recent work bridges design research with critical futures studies, creating methods like the Future Ripples Method to activate anticipatory capacities in innovation teams. This evolution reflects a growing recognition of the need for designers to anticipate multiple possible futures rather than designing for a single predetermined outcome. Scientific Awards: CHI 2025 Honorable Mention Award MUM 2020 Honourable Mention Award Epp has been actively involved in significant research projects including 'FutureMethods: Methodology for HCI evaluations of possible futures' (2020-2024) and 'Digital Aura: Crafting a Digital Representation of Self in the Physical World' (2017-2021). His collaborative work spans multiple institutions and disciplines, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his research. He serves on program committees for major conferences including ACM DIS and CHI, demonstrating leadership in the HCI community. His research contributes to Sustainable Development Goals related to technology and society, with particular relevance to responsible consumption and production through his work on smart clothing in circular economies.

Daniel A. McAdamsView profile

Professor

• Design Theory
• Bio-inspired Design
• Product Architecture
• +3 more

Daniel A. McAdams is the Robert H. Fletcher Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University and serves as the NSF Program Director of Convergent Activities. His research develops design theory and methodology with focus on functional modeling, bio-inspired design, and technology evolution. Educational Background: PhD in Mechanical Engineering from University of Texas at Austin MS in Mechanical Engineering from California Institute of Technology BS in Mechanical Engineering from University of Texas at Austin His research investigates innovation in concept synthesis through computational methods, bio-inspired design approaches, and technology evolution applied to product development. Current projects include function-sharing principles in biological systems, digital twin architectures, and patent mining for technology forecasting. Recent publications explore applications of speculative fiction in design ideation, graph-theoretic approaches for digital twins, and automated assessment in engineering education, demonstrating cross-disciplinary innovation across design science. Awards and Honors: ASME Design Theory and Methodology Award Distinguished Achievement Award for Student Relations Multiple Faculty Fellow awards Design Studies Best Paper Award Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award He leads the Product Synthesis Engineering Lab, advancing design methodologies for complex engineered systems through computational approaches and biological analogies.

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Wellbeing
• Health and Wellbeing Technologies
• +12 more

Dr Bernd Ploderer is an Associate Professor in the School of Computer Science at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where he conducts research in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), focusing on health, wellbeing, and human-centred computing. He leads the Digital Wellbeing Lab and is actively involved in multiple Australian Competitive Grant-funded projects, including those on generative AI for self-care, tangible intergenerational interaction, and children's active play. Education: PhD in Human-Computer Interaction (University of Melbourne, 2011), MA in Communications (University of Salzburg, 2007), BSc (Hons) in Information Systems (FH Joanneum Graz, 2003) Previous Positions: Research Fellow and Lecturer at the University of Melbourne (2011–2015) Professional Recognition: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (QUT, 2017) Dr Ploderer’s research centers on designing interactive technologies that support personal and social wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on user-centered and co-design methods. His work spans domains such as digital self-care , mobile health , generative AI , tangible and embodied interaction , and intergenerational and child play . He has developed innovative educational methods in HCI, notably the ‘working field theories for design’ approach, which received an Honorable Mention at CHI 2021. His recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a growing interest in AI-mediated self-care, nature-connected technologies, and inclusive design for diverse populations including teens, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. These works appear in top-tier venues such as CHI , DIS , and Personal and Ubiquitous Computing . Dr Ploderer has received several awards, including: QUT Vice Chancellor's Performance Award (2016) PCHF Innovation Grant (2018) Metro North Hospital and Health Service Link Grant (2017) Honorable Mention at CHI 2021 Associate Chair for Health Subcommittee at CHI 2022 He is actively involved in research supervision, currently mentoring PhD and Honours students on topics such as conversational agents for music education, mental wellbeing for international students, and relational technologies for dementia care. He has supervised numerous completed PhD and Masters theses, often in collaboration with Professor Margot Brereton and other QUT researchers. Dr Ploderer also contributes to research ethics and integrity within his school and serves on committees for CHI and CHISIG. His lab, the Digital Wellbeing Lab, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration focused on creating technology that enhances social, mental, and physical wellbeing.

• Human-Algorithm Interaction
• AI Ethics
• Data-Driven Design
• +3 more

Dr. Dave Murray-Rust is an Associate Professor in Human-Algorithm Interaction Design at TU Delft's Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering. He explores the intersection of humans, data, and AI through design research, focusing on ethical AI systems and sociotechnical interactions. His work bridges computer science, design theory, and digital sociology, addressing challenges like algorithmic fairness and human-AI collaboration. He leads initiatives such as the AI Futures Lab and Data-Centric Design Lab, advancing methods for leveraging behavioral data in design processes. His research emphasizes experiential AI frameworks, metaphors for designers, and the legibility of AI systems. He has been honored with awards including Best alt.HRI 2024 and a CHI 2023 Best Paper Award for contributions to fairness perceptions in algorithmic decision-making. Murray-Rust teaches courses like the Speculative Design Studio and collaborates on projects like DCODE (Designing the Future of AI) and the BrightSky Project. His work extends to public engagement through installations like GeoPact and explorations of blockchain's societal impact. He holds an Honorary Fellowship at the University of Edinburgh.

Maria Luce LupettiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Design
• Human-Robot Interaction
• Speculative Design
• +7 more

Maria Luce Lupetti is a Fixed-term Assistant Professor at the Department of Architecture and Design (DAD) at Politecnico di Torino . She actively contributes to the College of Architecture and Design and is a member of the College of Mechanical, Aerospace and Automotive Engineering . Her academic role involves teaching Cognitive Ergonomics and HMI in the Automotive Engineering master's program and collaborating on Design and Communication courses. Editorial Roles: Associate Editor for the journal INTERACTIONS since 2024 Conference Leadership: Participating in organizing committee for CHI 2026 Research Projects: Scientific Director of PARJAI (2025-2028) on Participatory Design Justice for Ethical AI Transitions Research Focus : Maria's work bridges Design with Human-Robot Interaction , focusing on Ethical AI , Speculative Design , and Urban Robotics . Her recent publications explore: Speculative design for sustainable digital futures Contextual adaptability challenges in urban robotics Design taxonomies for demystifying AI Trustworthy embodied agents in healthcare Creative applications of AI in HRI Ethical frameworks for energy futures Design Philosophy : She emphasizes participatory approaches, critical design thinking, and transdisciplinary collaboration to address societal challenges at the intersection of technology, ethics, and human factors. Her work appears in leading venues including CHI , HRI , and Frontiers in Neurorobotics , while also contributing to edited volumes and journal special issues.

Lucy McRaeView profile

Visiting Professor

• Future technologies and human evolution
• Human intimacy in technological future
• Genetic engineering ethics
• +7 more

Lucy McRae is a multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, inventor, and "body architect" based in Los Angeles. She serves as a visiting professor at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) where she co-directs a futures incubator. Recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and a TED Fellow, McRae leads an art-research studio investigating how emerging technologies impact human evolution. Her work has been exhibited at prestigious venues including the Venice Biennale, Centre Pompidou, Science Museum London, and National Gallery of Victoria. McRae's research explores the intersection of science, technology, and the human body, with particular focus on: Future technologies and their impact on human evolution Speculative reproductive technologies and artificial wombs Genetic engineering ethics and implications Human intimacy in technological futures Emotional technologies and comfort devices Body architecture and science fiction prototyping Her artistic practice creates "prophetic aesthetics" that generate "nostalgia for a future about to happen," diversifying the predictive voices in science and technology through designed hypothetical worlds. McRae uses speculation as a tool to provoke exploration of ideologies and ethics about human evolution. Her notable works include Heavy Duty Love (Venice Biennale), Future Survival Kit , Compression Carpet , and Solitary Survival Raft , which explore themes of human touch in increasingly digital worlds and potential future reproductive technologies. Her major recognitions include: Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum TED Fellow McRae collaborates extensively with institutions and brands, serving as a futurist consultant to Hollywood productions (including Blade Runner 2099), and working with organizations including MIT, NASA, Aesop, Adidas, Nike, Adobe, Intel, and BMW Mini. Her studio functions as a research incubator exploring speculative futures through art, film, and conceptual fashion. Based in Los Angeles, McRae's studio operates at the intersection of art, science, and technology, creating immersive installations and prototypes that engage the public in critical dialogue about emerging technologies and their implications for human evolution and society.

• Human-Centered Design
• Digital Ethics
• Social Technology
• +6 more

Thomas Olsson is a **Professor in Human-Centered Design** at Tampere University, affiliated with the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences and the Computing Sciences department. He leads the *Technology x Social Interaction Research Group* and the *Digital and Sustainability Transitions in Society* research platform. His work focuses on designing ICT systems that prioritize digital ethics, social sustainability, and environmental responsibility. **Research Interests**: Social technologies, sustainable design of ICT, AI-driven recruitment systems, cultural integration through technology, and the ethical implications of digital media. He employs qualitative methods and design-through-research approaches, often collaborating across disciplines like computer science and behavioral/social sciences. Current roles: Academic Director of Digital/Sustainability Transitions Platform; Head of Master's Program in Computing Sciences and Electrical Engineering Key projects: AIdience (AI in Journalism), Trust-M (Migrant Services), Big Match (Team Assembly), Emotions in Digital Media Teaching: Coordinates Human-Technology Interaction studies and develops courses like *Sustainable Design* and *Ethics of Technology* **Lab/Team**: Leads the *Technology x Social Interaction* group (collaboration opportunities available). Active in the *Rajapinta* interdisciplinary research community.

• Human-Centered Systems
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Artificial Intelligence
• +9 more

Alessio Malizia is a Professor of User Experience Design at the University of Hertfordshire, UK, and concurrently holds a full Professorship at the Computer Science Department of the University of Pisa, Italy. His research focuses on Human-Centered Systems, Human-Centered AI, and Design Fictions, emphasizing ethical AI, user participation, and the integration of visual programming languages. He has held roles at institutions including Sapienza University of Rome, IBM, Silicon Graphics, and Xerox PARC, where he researched neural networks and gestural interfaces. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and education. Malizia’s career includes visiting research at Xerox PARC, associate professorship at the University Carlos III of Madrid, and senior lecturer roles at Brunel University London. He is an ACM Distinguished Speaker and actively promotes democratizing AI through tools like BlocklyBias and PyFlowML. His research spans touchless interfaces, collaborative design methodologies, and AI explainability. Key contributions include frameworks for socio-technical process modeling in agriculture, tools for bias detection in AI data, and visual languages fostering user participation in ML systems. His work on telemedicine and healthcare AI emphasizes co-design and trusted AI systems. Recent studies explore end-user development for smart environments, digital agriculture, and computational thinking education through tools like TAPASPlay. Awards: ACM Distinguished Speaker Key Interests: Human-AI Interaction, UX Design, AI Ethics, IoT Ecosystems, and Co-Creation Methodologies Notable Projects: Figmant, ModeLLer, and the Chatbot Usability Scale validation His grants and collaborations focus on improving AI transparency, user-centered design processes, and participatory innovation in technology adoption across sectors.

Dana LittleView profile

Assistant Professor

• Artificial Intelligence
• Human-Computer Collaboration
• Social Media Writing Techniques
• +7 more

Dana Little is an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia, specializing in the intersection of artificial intelligence, social media, and speculative fiction. Her work explores the evolving relationship between humans and digital systems through creative practice-based research. Degrees: Doctor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (University of Glasgow, 2021), MA in Creative Writing (Johns Hopkins University, 2012), BA in English (University of Georgia, 2009) Her research focuses on design fiction, human-computer collaboration, and the development of 'factions'—a genre blending fact and fiction in digital communication. She created the AI mystic persona Dr. Wu to investigate AI's role in storytelling and cultural memory. Recent publications examine podcast-video essay intersections, social media communication frameworks, and speculative design methodologies. She actively contributes to HBCU community research and has presented internationally on digital twins, worldbuilding, and creative AI applications. 2023 HBCU Fellowship (AWP) University of Glasgow Research Support Award Worldcon attendance funding recipient As a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and NASA eClips Technical Advisory Board, she bridges artistic practice with technological innovation. Her teaching includes digital media writing, public speaking, and special topics in writing pedagogy.

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Virtual Reality (VR)
• Augmented Reality (AR)
• +7 more

Dr. George Fitzmaurice is a Research Fellow at Autodesk, leading the Human Computer Interaction and Visualization Research group. With over 120 publications and 95 patents, his work spans 25 years of innovation in interactive systems, focusing on technology-assisted learning , 3D visualization , and novel input techniques . His notable contributions include the Maya 1.0 UI and SketchBook Pro design, as well as pioneering Graspable UIs and Spatially-Aware Displays . Education : MIT (B.Sc. Math/CS), Brown (M.Sc. CS), Toronto (Ph.D. CS) His research explores immersive visualization and generative AI applications in design workflows, with recent work focusing on VR/AR tools like TimeTunnel for motion editing and WhatIF for AI-assisted narrative design. Current projects examine the intersection of large language models , 3D design systems , and collaborative environments . Key article themes include: Generative AI integration (3DALL-E, WorldSmith) Immersive motion analysis (AvatAR, VideoPoseVR) Creative workflow optimization (MoodCubes, Immersive Sampling) Privacy-aware VR systems (Vice VRsa) Scientific Recognition: 2019 - Inducted into ACM CHI Academy 2024 - Awarded ACM Fellow for computing contributions He has developed foundational interaction techniques like ViewCube™ and SteeringWheels™ , and his work continues to shape modern 3D UI paradigms and spatial computing approaches through projects like DreamSketch and Tesseract.

• Science Fiction
• Cyberpunk Literature
• New Media
• +5 more

Bruce Sterling is a Professor of New Media and Science Fiction at The European Graduate School (EGS), where he has taught intensive summer seminars since 2003. He also served as "visionary in residence" at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles starting in 2005. Sterling is internationally recognized as a science fiction writer, net critic, and cyberspace theorist, with significant influence in the cyberpunk movement. Sterling graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Texas, Austin, in 1976. His academic journey was followed by a prolific writing career that began with the publication of Involution Ocean in 1977. Sterling's research interests span the intersection of technology, culture, and narrative. He is particularly known for his work on cyberpunk literature, new media theory, and futurism. His concept of "design fiction" has influenced how designers and technologists think about future scenarios. Sterling's Viridian Design Movement promoted environmental awareness through design, while his Dead Media Project documented obsolete communication technologies. His writings consistently explore how technological change reshapes human experience, society, and our understanding of the future. Sterling's recent publications reveal a continued focus on the cultural implications of emerging technologies. His articles examine topics ranging from wearable computing and hyperlocal media to sustainable design and energy transitions. A recurring theme is the relationship between technological progress and environmental sustainability. Sterling frequently employs speculative approaches, using science fiction techniques to explore possible futures and challenge current assumptions about technology's trajectory. Sterling's scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards: Campbell Award (1989) for Islands in the Net Hugo Award (1997) for Bicycle Repairman Hugo Award (1999) for Taklamakan Hayakawa Award (1999) for Taklamakan Clarke Award (2000) for Distraction Sterling has been instrumental in shaping digital culture discourse through his teaching, writing, and activism. As a co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, he has advocated for digital rights and freedoms. His work bridges academic theory, creative practice, and public engagement, making complex technological issues accessible to diverse audiences. Sterling founded both the Dead Media Project, an archive of obsolete media technologies, and the Viridian Design Movement, an environmental aesthetic initiative. These projects reflect his unique approach to understanding technology through both historical and future-oriented perspectives. His work often explores the lifecycle of technologies, from emergence to obsolescence, and considers how design choices today shape possible futures.

• Participatory Design
• Social Sustainability
• Ecological Sustainability
• +5 more

Danielle Wilde is a Professor at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) within the Department of Business and Sustainability , IEB Esbjerg , and SDU Climate Cluster . She serves as an Adjunct Professor at RMIT University and contributes to the EU COST Action 16229 as a Committee Member for Denmark. Her work bridges participatory design with ecological and social sustainability, focusing on wicked problems through bottom-up stakeholder engagement. PhD in Design from Monash University (2012) MA in Design Interaction from Royal College of Art (2003) Her research explores human-microbiome relations , more-than-human design , and food system transformation , particularly through living labs . Recent projects like SCC Elite Centre for Post-Anthropocentric Climate Action and SDU Food Cluster highlight her interdisciplinary approach. She received the SCC Fast track award (2025) for her climate action work. Key article trends include participatory methodologies for ecological data , experimental approaches to microbiome engagement , and design fiction for food futures . Her work often intersects with wearable technology , decollaborative practices , and environmental citizenship frameworks . Scientific Awards SCC Fast track award (2025) She contributes to teaching courses like Exploring Design , Multi-stakeholder Innovation , and Design Specialisation B , with previous supervision of Master’s thesis projects. Current collaborations span climate action , food system innovation , and bio-digital interaction across European institutions.

Trine Rask NielsenView profile

Researcher

• Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW)
• Critical Data Studies
• Asylum Decision-Making Systems
• +3 more

Trine Rask Nielsen is a researcher at the Department of Computer Science , University of Copenhagen , affiliated with the Human-Centred Computing section and the Confronting Data Co-lab . Her work bridges Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) and Critical Data Studies , focusing on how data shapes asylum decision-making practices. Research Interests: Ethnographic analysis of data practices in asylum systems, digital governance, refugee agency, and ethical prototyping. Awards: 2023 David B. Martin Award 2020 award for fictional app design Collaborations: Works with cross-disciplinary teams and external partners in Denmark and internationally. Her publications examine datafication processes, algorithmic transparency, and participatory approaches in asylum casework, emphasizing ethnographic insights and critical design interventions.