Jon E. Froehlich

Jon E. Froehlich is a Professor in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington, where he directs the Makeability Lab and serves as Associate Director of CREATE (Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology and Experiences). His research focuses on human-computer interaction, accessibility, urban informatics, and physical computing.

• Director, Makeability Lab
• Associate Director, CREATE
• Associate Director of Tech Transfer and Outreach, PacTrans
• Member, DUB Group (Design. Use. Build.)
• Visiting Researcher, Google Research (Society-Centered AI team)
• Faculty Chair of MHCI+D program (2021-2024)

Professor Froehlich's research examines how technology can address high-value social domains through accessibility innovations, urban informatics systems, and STE(A)M education tools. He co-founded Project Sidewalk, an open-source platform using Human+AI techniques to map global sidewalk accessibility. His work spans augmented/virtual reality, ubiquitous computing, and sensor systems with practical applications for people with disabilities.

His research group has earned 23 Best Paper and Honorable Mention Awards at premier HCI venues including CHI, ASSETS, and UIST. Notable recognitions include the Sloan Fellowship (2016), UW College of Engineering Outstanding Faculty Award (2021), and PacTrans Outstanding Researcher Award (2022).

• Sloan Fellowship (2016)
• UW College of Engineering Outstanding Faculty Award (2021)
• PacTrans Outstanding Researcher Award (2022)
• 23 Best Paper and Honorable Mention Awards across CHI, ASSETS, UIST
• Google Faculty Research Awards
• 3M Faculty Award

Professor Froehlich actively mentors students across disciplines, advising current PhD candidates in areas including AI-powered accessibility, urban computing, augmented reality, and indoor navigation systems. His lab receives funding from NSF, Department of Defense, PacTrans Consortium, UW CREATE, and corporate partners including Google, Microsoft, and Meta. He is currently on sabbatical (2024-2025) focusing on new research initiatives.

The Makeability Lab operates within UW's vibrant interdisciplinary research ecosystem, collaborating with the Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology and Experiences (CREATE) and the DUB group. The lab maintains strong industry connections through Google Research partnerships and corporate sponsorships that support cutting-edge work in accessible technology development.