Information Science Research Labs

From designing creative learning experiences for families to combating information overload, our faculty-led labs are hubs for innovative, cross-disciplinary research. Together, our faculty and students are undertaking projects meant to move the field of information science forward toward a more equitable, inclusive and ethical future for all.

Al-AdalaÌýعدالةÌýis the Arabic word forÌýjustice, fairnessÌýand equality.ÌýThe Al-Adala Lab, or (ADA)LAb, draws on critical approaches and perspectives (e.g. critical race and postcolonial theory) to create a just, fairÌýand equal digitally mediated society.

Led by:Bryan Semaan

TheÌýÅ·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Laboratory for Users, Media, and NetworksÌý(COLUMN)Ìýexplores the emerging relationships connecting users and media. We are a theoretically and methodologically interdisciplinary group and participate in scholarly conversations within computational social science, social computing, and human-centered data science.

Led by: Brian Keegan

The Creative Communities research group explores how we can engage people to create, playÌýand learn together. We are researchers, students, designersÌýand educators committed to designing and studying learning experiences for young people to create things they care about, develop identities as creatorsÌýand shape the world around them.

Led by:ÌýRicarose Roque

The Data & Design Group uses design to envision a world where everyone has the power to shape systems that affect their social and political lives. We conduct research in accessibility, visualization, and data ethics that both contributes new ideas to scientific communities and also makes a practical difference in people’s everyday lives.

Led by: Jonathan Zong

Members of theÌýEPIC Lab conductÌýresearch in crisis informatics to consider the roles social media, data and other tech environments play in information-based consequences to natural and public health hazards. Research also includes informatics studies of racial justice, environmental justiceÌýand sustainability.

Led by:Leysia Palen

Identity LabÌýfocuses on studying and designing how identity is designed, represented and experienced in technology.

Led by:Jed Brubaker

TheÌýInformation Technology Education & Contexts Lab (ITEC)Ìýexamines social systems that reproduce and reinforce exclusion in computing with the goal of designing evidence-based interventions. We also study uses of information technology in higher education.

Led by:

The Information Visions Lab imagines a future of data communication that prioritizes equity and access. Our research draws on information visualization tools and techniques to empower the ways in which diverse communities can trust, create, and engage with data.

Led by: Evan Peck

The Internet Rules LabÌý(IRL) focuses on the intersection of technology and governance. Our work includes elements of ethics, inclusivity, social justice, education,Ìýand in general working towards making our technologies and networked spaces better for everyone.

Led by:Casey Fiesler

Philanthropic InformaticsÌýis an interdisciplinary research area exploring the role of information and communication technologies in supporting initiatives for the public good.Ìý

Led by:Amy Voida

That Recommender Systems LabÌýinvestigates recommender systems and other personalized systems, especially as these systems are deployed in complex and socially-sensitive settings, such as philanthropy, newsÌýand employment. Our current projects center on multistakeholder recommendation, and in particular, fairness-aware recommendation.

Led by:Robin Burke

The Too Much Information Lab (TMI) conducts research in human–computer interaction, at the intersection of personal information management, user interface design, ubiquitous computingÌýand computer-supported cooperative work.ÌýOurÌýwork focuses on helping people to overcome the day-to-day challenges of information overload.

Led by:Stephen Voida

Unstable Design approaches design as a way to generate theory and things.Ìý Design is political and we develop working technologies to help people imagine alternative futures with alternative politics.

Led by:ÌýLaura Devendorf

Partnerships, Collaborations and Funders

A list of ourÌýpast and current parnerships and funders.Ìý

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