Hamed Seiied Alavi

Hamed Seiied Alavi is a tenured Assistant Professor at the Informatics Institute within the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. He is a founding member of the Digital Interaction Lab and holds a PhD in Computer Science from EPFL, with postdoctoral experience at University College London (UCL). His work bridges human-computer interaction, architecture, and urban design to explore intelligent, inclusive built environments.

Research Interests: His research focuses on Human-Building Interaction (HBI), smart and adaptive environments, inclusive urban design, and multisensory interaction. He investigates how digital technologies can co-create spaces that reflect human values and identities, particularly through biophilic and data-informed design. His work emphasizes ethical considerations, user experience, and sustainability in intelligent spaces.

The recent publications reveal a strong trend in designing human-centered smart buildings, environmental sensing (e.g., air quality, audio), and the ethical implications of data-driven design. His research integrates physiological data (e.g., EEG), wearable technologies, and participatory methods to evaluate comfort, inclusivity, and user experience in built environments. A recurring theme is the critique of technological determinism in urban and architectural innovation.

• Best Paper Award at CHI'25
• PI of €3.8M NWO Grant – Inclusive City-Making

Dr. Alavi leads research projects involving interdisciplinary teams and has secured major funding. He has also led a startup in educational technologies for eight years, demonstrating translational impact. His advising likely includes students in HCI, interaction design, and digital architecture, though no formal list is provided.

He is a key member of the Digital Interaction Lab at the University of Amsterdam, a research group focused on reimagining human-digital-material interactions in everyday contexts, particularly in urban and architectural settings.