Inclusive Design at Maryland’s HCIL

December 29, 2015 udcom

We’re an interdisciplinary group of researchers at the University of Maryland’sHuman-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL).

Our goal is to make the next generation of computing technologies more inclusive. We focus primarily on new mobile and wearable technologies—from touchscreens to head-mounted displays to custom wearable devices—both for broad use as well as for the needs of people with motor or visual impairments. Another thread of our work focuses on the intersection of HCI and machine learning.

Universal Design (UD) is an approach to design that increases the potential for developing a better quality of life for a wide range of individuals. It is a design process that enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation (Steinfeld and Maisel, 2012). It creates products, systems, and environments to be as usable as possible by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability or situation.