About HCI Lab

The Human Computer Interaction Laboratory (HCI Lab) of FORTH-ICS , established in 1989, is an internationally recognised centre of excellence, with accumulated experience in user interface software technologies, design methodologies, and software tools.

The HCI Lab develops software that supports the engineering of best-fit interaction-intensive applications for diverse users, systems, platforms, and enviromental contexts.

The Laboratory carries out leading research activities focused on developing user interfaces for interactive applications and services that are accessible, usable, and ultimately acceptable for diverse users in the Information Society.

The main line of work promotes the concept of User Interfaces for All, introduced in the international literature in the early 90s. This concept constitutes a new perspective on Human - Computer Interaction, rooted in the principles of Universal Access and Design for All. An important property of the "User Interfaces for All" objective is that it effectively puts forward a number of generic research challenges, which need to be always reflected in the context of continuous technological progress.

The research activities of the HCI Laboratory are distinctively characterised by an interdisciplinary approach. The current RTD objectives of the HCI Lab are:

• To support and facilitate the adoption and application of the principles of Design for All and Universal Access in the development of Information Society Technologies.
• To support inclusive user interaction in ambient intelligence environments.
• To support the development of universally accessible games.
• To support the provision of universally accessible and usable online communities.

The Laboratory:

• develops methodologies, software components and tools for the engineering of interaction-intensive applications that optimally suit the requirements of diverse users, platforms, and environments
• designs and develops software for a large variety of technological platforms, such as personal computers, smart environments, VR systems, hand held computers (PDAs), wearable devices, mobile phones, and portable electronic devices

The HCI Laboratory also operates the Centre for Universal Access and Assistive Technologies (CUA&AT). The main objective of the Centre is to support the equal participation and socio-economic integration of people with disabilities in the Information Society.

Prof. Constantine Stephanidis
Head