HCI, Visualization & Graphics

Research in the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Visualization and Graphics cluster work to understand how humans use computing technology and to help define the interactive technologies of the future. Connecting computer science with human-centered disciplines including psychology, health, sociology, anthropolgy, art and design, our researchers develop technologies that advance the interfaces between humans and computers - making technology useful, effective and enjoyable. 

From healthcare to new media, our research spans a wide range of areas with current projects including smartphone games for underdeserved populations (such as African youths), immersive visualizations for maritime situational awareness, and 3D scene understanding, modelling, and rendering techniques.

With an emphasis on real-world impact, we conduct both fundamental and applied research in areas including:

• Persuasive computing  
• Mobile, embodied and ubiquitous interaction
• Text visualization and visual analytics
• Augmented and virtual reality
• Game-related technologies
• Computer graphics and image processing
• Information seeking and sensemaking 
• E-learning
• Usable privacy and security
• Serious games and gamification

Research collaboration extends outside of Dalhousie, with past and current projects including work with Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Parks Canada, AGNS, Nova Scotia Museums, Capitol Health, Ernst & Young, Ubisoft, Ericsson, ANC, General Dynamics, and colleagues at other Canadian and international research institutions

The HCI, Visualization and Graphics research cluster includes specialized research labs  and a diverse group of innovative faculty who collaborate to advance program curriculum, strengthen research within the Faculty, and to host research seminars by visiting researchers.