Garreth Tigwell

Garreth Tigwell is an Assistant Professor in the School of Information at RIT, co-directing the CAIR Lab with Dr. Kristen Shinohara. His research focuses on accessibility in digital design, particularly for disabled users, addressing challenges faced by novice and expert creators. His work spans topics like accessible prototyping tools, cultural considerations in design, and inclusive mixed reality interfaces.

Education:

• BSc in Psychology, University of Dundee, 2012
• MSc (Distinction) in User Experience Engineering, University of Dundee, 2014
• PhD in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), University of Dundee, 2019

Research Interests:

• Designing accessible digital systems for blind, deaf, and low-vision users
• Adaptable user interfaces for mixed reality and textured surfaces
• Cultural dimensions in accessibility pedagogy
• Authentication methods for visually impaired users

Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes AR/VR accessibility, cultural design frameworks, and haptic authentication. His studies often involve collaborations with global researchers and industry partners.

Awards:

• Best Paper (MobileHCI 2022)
• CHI Honorable Mention (2023, 2024)
• NSF-funded research projects

Advising & Grants: Active in mentoring graduate students and securing grants. His lab focuses on born-accessible AI tools and inclusive design education. Teaches courses like HCI Research Methods and Future Interactions.

Labs/Teams: Co-leads the CAIR Lab, which develops technologies to bridge accessibility gaps in digital design and prototyping.