“We use computers to make computers easier to use”
The group investigates computational methods for generation and adaptation of user interfaces. Application areas range from classic UIs like keyboards, menus, buttons, and web pages to novel input methods like gestural interaction. Our research includes mathematical and computational modelling of interactive behavior — including human capacities like perception, attention, learning, experience, and motor control — and relevant algorithmic methods such as optimization and machine learning.
Interactive AI research / Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence FCAI
The group participates in research on methods for collaborative forms of AI at FCAI. Our research develops models and theories that allow AI to infer human beliefs and abilities from observations and predict the consequences of their actions on humans.
People of UI
Group Lead Professor Antti Oulasvirta: Modeling, cognitive science, computational methods in HCI
Visiting Professor Andrew Howes: Cognitive science (FCAI visiting professor)
Postdoctoral Scholars
Dr. Niraj Dayama: Combinatorial optimization
Dr. Markku Laine: Web engineering
Dr. Aurélien Nioche: Cognitive science
Dr. Xiuli Chen: Cognitive science and perceptual psychology
Dr. Julien Gori: Modeling
Dr. Aditya Acharya: Cognitive modeling and deep learning (Prof. Perttu Hämäläinen’s group)
Dr. Zhenhui Peng: Human-computer interaction and intelligent systems
PhD Students
MSc. Aini Putkonen
MSc. Morteza Shiripour: Layout optimization
MBA Yi-Chi Liao: Input methods
MSc. Lena Hegemann: Design AI
MSc. Katri Leino: Text entry (supervised by Prof. Mikko Kurimo)
MSc. Maria Montoya Freire (supervised by Prof. De Francesco)
Project Employees
MA Julia Kylmälä: Laboratory manager, Cognitive science
Alumni:
Heidi Hassinen: Computer science
Dr. Luis Leiva: HCI and machine learning
Dr. Kashyap Todi: Intelligent systems
Dr. Jussi P.P. Jokinen: Cognitive science
Dr. Sunjun Kim: Interface technology
Dr. Ai Nakajima: design and machine learning
MSc. Janin Koch: Interaction design, interactive machine learning
Dr. Tuukka Ruotsalo; now at University of Helsinki
MSc. Anna Feit: Text entry, optimization (SIGCHI Dissertation Award 2019 winner; now at ETH Zurich)
Dr. Byungjoo Lee: Mechanical engineering, input devices (KAIST)
Dr. Eve Hoggan: smart material, novel interaction techniques and feedback (Aarhus)
Dr. Kumaripaba Athukorala: Information search (Liberty Insurance)
Dr. Mathieu Nancel: Interaction techniques (INRIA)
Dr. Daryl Weir: Machine learning, modeling, touch (Futurice)
Funding
The group is funded by the European Research Council (Starting Grant COMPUTED), Academy of Finland, the Technology Industries of Finland, and FCAI.
