Research Areas

Dark Patterns

Deceptive designs, also referred to as "dark patterns," are user interface designs that use psychological tricks to manipulate users into taking actions that serve the product's interests rather than their own.

Learn more →

Digital Youth

Young people deserve safe, developmentally supportive online and the opportunity to participate in the digital world. The User Empowerment Lab designs together with youth to work toward this vision.

Learn more →

Technology and Parenting

Technology should support families, not create friction at home. The User Empowerment Lab works with children, teens, and parents to understand the burdens technology creates.

Learn more →

Human-AI Interaction

The User Empowerment Lab studies how AI is changing interpersonal relationships, creative workflows, schoolwork, and emotional development.

Learn more →

Technology and Relationships

Interpersonal relationships are the most meaningful part of life. The User Empowerment Lab studies how technology can damage relationships and designs systems to support them instead.

Learn more →

Video Games and Kids and Families

The User Empowerment Lab designs spaces for kids and families to play and studies the ways that games can enrich people's lives and grow their relationships. We also investigate the ways that games manipulate players into giving up their time, money, and data.

Learn more →

Extended Use

Many people find themselves using their phone in ways they regret. The User Empowerment Lab investigates the design features that leave users frustrated and designs interfaces that put them back in the driver’s seat.

Learn more →

Social Media Design

The User Empowerment Lab investigates the design features of social media that harm users and designs social spaces that encourage authenticity, friendship, and belonging.

Learn more →

User Privacy

The User Empowerment Lab studies the designs that allow companies to invasively collect user data and to expose users' data to their friends and loved ones.

Learn more →