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Interaction with the Physical World

Advances in low- and no-power sensing, communication and interaction technologies offer new possibilities for blending digital innovation with our physical environment. 

From gesture recognition that allows people to interact with objects in new ways, to low-power sensors that collect and transmit data about temperature, air quality, urban accessibility and more, our researchers are tapping into the potential of computation to transform how we experience the world around us.


Research Groups & Labs

Laptop displaying glowing purple light onscreen in darkened room

Security and Privacy Research Lab

The Security and Privacy Research Lab works on a variety of topics, ranging from studying and addressing security and privacy risks in existing technologies, to anticipating future risks in emerging technologies.

People wearing AR-VR headsets pointing into the air

Graphics & Imaging Lab (GRAIL)

The work of the Graphics & Imaging Laboratory spans computer graphics, computer vision, generative AI, computational photography, virtual reality, animation and games.


Faculty Members

Adjunct Faculty

Emeritus Faculty

Emeritus Faculty


Centers & Initiatives

DFab Digital Fabrication at UW logo

Center for Digital Fabrication (DFab)

DFab is a network of researchers, educators, industry partners, and community members advancing the field of digital fabrication at UW and in the greater Seattle region.

Taskar Center for Accessible Technology logo with TCAT in block letters and a row of silhouettes depicting 8 people of diverse presumptive ages and abilities, including a person with a guide dog, a person in a wheelchair, a person with a cane, and a trio of people of different heights holding hands

Taskar Center for Accessible Technology (TCAT)

TCAT harnesses the power of open-source technology to develop, translate, and deploy accessible technologies, and then sustain them in the hands of communities. Housed by the Paul G. Allen School for Computer Science & Engineering, TCAT centers the experience of people with disabilities as a lens for improving design & engineering, through participatory design practices, tooling and capacity building.

Highlights