Ken Nakagaki

Ken Nakagaki is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science Department at the University of Chicago and founder of the Actuated Experience Lab (AxLab). He specializes in designing novel actuated tangible user interfaces (A-TUIs) that merge physical materials with computational and robotic systems to create interactive, shape-changing experiences. His work emphasizes seamless integration of dynamic digital information into physical tools and materials.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Media Arts and Sciences from MIT Media Lab (advisor: Hiroshi Ishii)

Research Focus:

• Actuated Tangible User Interfaces (A-TUIs)
• Shape-changing and reconfigurable technologies
• Embodied interaction and haptic feedback systems

His research bridges robotics, design, and human-computer interaction, driven by curiosity-based prototyping.

Awards & Recognition:

• MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35 (Japan & Asia Pacific)
• Japan Media Arts Festival awards
• James Dyson Award finalist
• Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards

Labs & Collaborations:

• AxLab explores actuated interfaces and shape-changing systems to reimagine human-computer interaction in physical spaces.