Human-Computer Interaction

Whether we’re making digital banking interfaces more accessible for older people, developing VR applications for trainee surgeons, or combining graffiti art with smart meter data to influence communities to use less energy, we’re using multidisciplinary research to make people’s experiences with technology as useful and positive as possible.

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a multidisciplinary field that explores interactions between humans and technology. By looking at both parts of the human-computer equation we are taking technology design further, grounding innovation in human behaviour, our needs and desires.

The result? Hardware devices, user interfaces and software applications that make everyone’s life easier.

Led by the UCL Interaction Centre (UCLIC), our HCI research has attracted many leading thinkers from across both STEM and the Human Sciences to join us, creating an exciting place for collaboration. Our projects combine the ideas of experts from different fields, including medical clinicians, sociologists, economists and architects.

What kind of projects are we working on at UCL Computer Science?

Designing and delivering digital inclusivity

In our increasingly technology dependent society, digitally disadvantaged older adults are at risk of being locked out of essential and lifesaving services.

In collaboration with Lancaster University, UCL Computer Science researchers are working with focus groups to identify and address the implementation gaps in new technologies that leave people behind. As a result, we’ve helped service providers create processes to support offline customers, and co-designed jargon-free smartphone user guides to aid first-time users.

Another project harnesses smart rings to help people over 65 (who are more typically prone to poor quality sleep) monitor their sleep patterns and take steps to improve their rest.

With the right support, older adults can enjoy technology on their own terms, potentially helping them live better for longer.

Healthcare technology

Human-computer interaction principles are a fundamental pillar of UCL Computer Science's approach to healthcare and biomedical research. Computer scientists at the Hawkes Institute are working alongside neuroscientists and other clinicians to pioneer new robotic surgery tools that minimise trauma, and virtual biopsies that use detailed 3D models for diagnosis, rather than the unpleasant and painful removal of live tissue from the patient’s body.

Another digital health project involving UCLIC researchers is helping people living with long Covid. Everyone’s experience of this condition is unique, and patients require tailored support from a range of disciplines to help them with their symptoms.

The Living With Covid Recovery app allows patients to manage their own care, by connecting them with a range of healthcare specialists, including nurses and physiotherapists.

We’re also working with Oxford Robotics Institute, finding ways to teach robots to interact with humans through physical touch. Human health practitioners are able to use touch to assess, and to build trust and confidence. Developing our understanding of the affective qualities of functional touch will help us create machines that can safely provide physical assistance and interaction in health and social care settings.

Making journeys more accessible

A recent report from Transport for London shows that people with disabilities use public transportation less often than non-disabled people. Overcrowding, cramped conditions and service delays can prevent people accessing the services.

One of our research teams is bringing together generative AI and real-time data from public transport authorities to help people with disabilities make more informed decisions about their travel. Working with researchers from UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub, disabled people have been co-designing disabled-user-friendly interfaces to ensure the application’s accessibility and help us create a fairer public transport system.

What’s coming next?

UCL Computer Science HCI research is a powerful force for positive societal change. Our projects in areas like smart agriculture, human-centred AI and extreme weather event modelling are already helping the United Nations achieve its Sustainable Development Goals, relieving poverty and embedding sustainability.

In healthcare, HCI will play an increasing role in both mental and physical health. At UCL Computer Science, we're working to standardise evaluation and quality control for digital mental health solutions. These standards will help developers follow best practice to meet patient safety standards.