Autodesk Research
User Interface Research

User Interface Research

George Fitzmaurice
Head of User Interface Research Group

The User Interface Research Group is focused on advancing the field of human-computer interaction research both at the hardware and software levels. We are constantly exploring new ways to make the software which we work with easier to learn, friendlier to use, and more efficient. Our interests lie in both seeking novel yet immediately applicable solutions to the user interface challenges existing in today's software applications, and also rethinking the underlying concepts for which today's user interfaces are designed, by exploring new paradigms which could shape the future generation of application user interfaces.

Our work spans multiple areas within the human-computer interaction research field, including interaction design, computer supported collaborative work, information visualization, and 3D user interfaces. We actively maintain and pursue relationships within the academic community, branching out to the broader disciplines of computer science, in pursuit of forward-thinking interdisciplinary approaches.

Current Projects

3D User Interfaces

3D User Interfaces

Designing user interfaces for interacting with 3D data involves a number of factors that are not found in traditional 2D interfaces. In this project, we explore subtle yet critical aspects of 3D control and feedback. A number of research outcomes have been integrated into several Autodesk products and we continue to explore this complex area.

Learning

Learning

The Learning project aims to investigate advanced techniques for assisting users in learning complicated applications. We are interested in a range of investigations from the scientific study of the human learning process to prototyping novel interaction techniques for improving the general learning mechanisms that can be applied to all applications.

Novel Input & Output

Novel Input & Output

The nature and quality of interaction can be dramatically affected by both the input sensing capabilities and output display characteristics of an interactive system. We are interested in exploring novel input and output configurations to help guide and inform future system designs that may be deployed on a wider scale as these technologies mature.

 

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