User interaction Lab

what we do

The User Interaction Lab (UIL) is a state-of-the-art facility within the Digital Interactions Lab at the Informatics Institute (University of Amsterdam), located in LAB42. It supports hands-on learning and research in human-centred computing, giving students access to cutting-edge tools such as eye trackers, health trackers, and advanced audio and video recording equipment.

UIL is designed for project-based learning, helping students build practical skills through experimentation and reflection. The lab strengthens human-centred computing in the curriculum and supports students in designing technology in a responsible, creative, and inclusive way.

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working with us

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thesis supervision

Academic COLLABORATION

commercial COLLABORATION

L0.03 (Ground Floor), LAB42, Science Park 900, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Who we are

Prof. Judith Good

Director of the User Interaction Lab and Digital Interactions Lab.

j.a.good@uva.nl

human-computer interaction, technology-enhanced learning, participatory design methods, design for disability

Dr. Siân Brooke

Coordinator of the User Interaction Lab and Assistant Professor (MacGillavry Fellowship) .

s.j.m.brooke@uva.nl
sianbrooke.com

human-computer interaction, programming, gender, inequality, open-source computing, data ethics

Dr. Hamed S. Alavi

h.alavi@uva.nl
hamedalavi.com

human-computer interaction, technology-enhanced learning, intelligent built environments

Dr. Katja Rogers

k.s.rogers@uva.nl
katjarogers.com
L6.15 @Lab42

human-computer interaction, virtual reality, realism, audio effects, mixed methods, systematic reviews

Opening of the Lab

On 19th December 2025, the User Interaction Lab was officially launched at UvA’s LAB42 building. The opening event featured the interactive Overwhelm exhibition, alongside live demonstrations and short talks, bringing together students, staff, and partners to mark the start of a new space for experimentation and discovery in digital interaction.

Embedding human‑centred computing in the curriculum

The UIL plays a central role in the Informatics Institute’s educational vision. At the Bachelor’s level, the Informatiekunde programme is being refocused as Mensgerichte Informatica (Human-Centred Computing). At the Master’s level, a new Human-Computer Interaction track within Information Studies further strengthens this emphasis. The lab is already an integral part of courses such as the Data Systems Project.

Empowering responsible technology design

Above all, the User Interaction Lab aims to empower students not only to build technology but to do so in a responsible, creative, and inclusive way. With its opening, the UIL marks an important step in preparing students to design technologies that genuinely serve people and society.