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Affiliate Positions

  • Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Washington, Department of Human-Centered Design and Engineering
  • Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Washington, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering

Specializations

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Ubiquitous Computing
  • User-Centered Design

Research Areas

Biography

Alexis Hiniker is an Assistant Professor in the Information School at the University of Washington and Director of the User Empowerment Lab. Through her work in human-computer interaction and ubiquitous computing, she investigates the ways in which everyday technologies make life worse for their users. Hiniker combines user-centered design methods with theory from a variety of disciplines to design, implement and evaluate new technical systems. Her current projects focus on compulsive technology use, dark patterns, voice interfaces, and arguments online. She has a PhD in Human Centered Design and Engineering from the University of Washington, an M.A. in Learning, Design and Technology from Stanford University, and an A.B. in Computer Science from Harvard University.

Education

  • Ph D, Human Centered Design and Engineering, University of Washington, 2017
  • MA, Learning, Design and Technology, Stanford University, 2012
  • BA, Computer Science, Harvard University, 2005

Awards

  • Best paper honorable mention for "Coco's Videos..." (top 5%) - CHI conference, 2018, 2017-2018
  • Facebook Fellowship finalist, 2016-2017
  • Microsoft Research Fellowship finalist, 2016-2017
  • Sesame Workshop Dissertation Fellowship, 2016-2017
  • Best paper nomination for "Evaluating an iPad Game..." (top 7 papers) - ASSETS conference, 2017, 2017
  • Best paper nomination for "Play & Play..." (top 3 papers [< 3%]) - IDC conference, 2017, 2017
  • Best paper honorable mention (top 5%) - CHI conference, 2016
  • Society of Women Engineers Outstanding Female Award - University of Washington, 2016
  • Special Recognition Award for exceptional reviewing - CHI conference, 2016
  • Google Anita Borg Scholarship, 2013-2014
  • Shobe Prize for student entrepreneurs, 2012-2013
  • Children’s Technology Review Award for Excellence in Design - Children’s Technology Review, 2013
  • Parents’ Choice Gold Award for Best Mobile App - Parents’ Choice, 2013
  • University of Washington Student Research Award (one per department) - University of Washington, 2013
  • Women’s Net Amber Grant Award - Women’s Net, 2013
  • Duca Fund Master’s Project Grant - Stanford University, 2012
  • University of Washington Kenney Fellowship, 2012
  • School of Education Tuition Fellowship - Stanford University, 2011
  • Harvard Faculty Scholar - Harvard University, 2005
  • Harvard University Certificate of Distinction in Teaching - Harvard University, 2005
  • Nominee for the Derek C. Bok Award for excellence in teaching - Harvard University, 2005
  • Harvard Faculty Scholar - Harvard University, 2004
  • Harvard University Certificate of Distinction in Teaching - Harvard University, 2004
  • Nominee for the Derek C. Bok Award for excellence in teaching - Harvard University, 2004
  • Harvard Faculty Scholar - Harvard University, 2003
  • John Harvard Honorary Scholar - Harvard University, 2002

Publications and Contributions

  • Conference Paper
    "Everything's the Phone": Understanding the Phone’s Supercharged Role in Parent-Teen Relationships (2019)
    Proceedings of the 37th annual ACM conference on human factors in computing systems (CHI ’19) Authors: Katharine Davis, Anja Dinhopl, Alexis Hiniker
  • Conference Paper
    Anchored Audio Sampling: A Seamless Method for Exploring Children’s Thoughts and Reactions During Deployment Studies (2019)
    Proceedings of the 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '19) Authors: Alexis Hiniker, J. Froehlich, Mingrui Zhang, Erin Beneteau
  • Conference Paper
    Communication Breakdowns Between Families and Alexa (2019)
    Proceedings of the 37th annual ACM conference on human factors in computing systems (CHI ’19) Authors: Erin Beneteau, Olivia Richards, Mingrui Zhang, Julie A. Kientz, Jason Yip, Alexis Hiniker
  • Workshop Paper
    Designing for Digital Wellbeing: A Research & Practice Agenda (2019)
    Extended Abstracts: 37th Annual ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI ’19) Authors: Marta E. Cecchinato, John Rooksby, Alexis Hiniker, Sean Munson, Kai Lukoff, Luigina Ciolfi, Anja Thieme, D. Harrison
  • Conference Paper
    Laughing is Scary, but Farting is Cute: A Conceptual Model of Children's Perspectives of Creepy Technologies (2019)
    Proceedings of the 37th annual ACM conference on human factors in computing systems (CHI ’19) Authors: Jason Yip, Kiley Sobel, Xin Gao, Allison Marie Hishikawa, Alexis Lim, Laura Meng, Romaine Flor Ofiana, Justin Park, Alexis Hiniker
  • Conference Paper
    Lights, Music, Stamps! Evaluating Mealtime Tangibles for Preschoolers (2019)
    Proceedings of the 13th annual ACM conference on tangible, embedded, and embodied interactions (TEI ’19) Authors: Yeqi Chen, Jason Yip, Daniela Rosner, Alexis Hiniker
  • Conference Paper
    Modeling the Engagement-Disengagement Cycle of Compulsive Phone Use (2019)
    Proceedings of the 37th annual ACM conference on human factors in computing systems (CHI ’19) Authors: J. A. Tran, K. S. Yang, Katharine Davis, Alexis Hiniker
  • Conference Paper
    Coco’s Videos: An Empirical Investigation of Video-Player Design Features and Children's Media Use (2018)
    Proceedings of the 36th annual ACM conference on human factors in computing systems (CHI ’18), Page 254:1-13 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Sharon Heung, Sungsoo (Ray) Hong, Julie A. Kientz
  • Journal Article, Academic Journal
    Joint Media Engagement between Parents and Preschoolers in the U.S., China, and Taiwan (2018)
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, CSCW, Volume 1, Issue 2, Page 192:1-19 Authors: Kate Yen, Yeqi Chen, Yi Cheng, Sijin Chen, Yiran Ni, Alexis Hiniker
  • Conference Paper
    Let's Play! Digital and Analog Play Between Preschoolers and Parents (2018)
    Proceedings of the 36th annual ACM conference on human factors in computing systems (CHI ’18), Page 659:1-13 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Bongshin Lee, Julie A. Kientz, Jenny Radesky
  • Workshop Paper
    Panel: Voice Assistants, UX Design and Research (2018)
    Extended Abstracts: Panel at the 36th annual ACM conference on human factors in computing systems (CHI ’18) Authors: Joseph Kaye, Joel Fischer, Jason Hong, Frank R. Bentley, Cosmin Munteanu, Alexis Hiniker, Janice Y. Tsai, Tawfiq Ammari
  • Magazine/Trade Publication
    Playful Interfaces: Designing Interactive Experiences for Children (2018)
    User Experience: The Magazine of User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA), Volume 18, Issue 1 Authors: Lisa Anthony, Alexis Hiniker, Julie A. Kientz
  • Journal Article, Public or Trade Journal
    Playful Interfaces: Designing Interactive Experiences for Children (2018)
    User Experience: The Magazine of User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA), Volume 18, Issue 1 Authors: L. Anthony, Alexis Hiniker, Julie A. Kientz
  • Blog
    Research Suggests Well-Designed Preschool Apps Can Encourage Family Engagement and Self-Regulation (2018)
    Sesame Workshop Blog (Joan Ganz Cooney Center) Author: Alexis Hiniker
  • Blog
    Research Suggests Well-Designed Preschool Apps Can Encourage Family Engagement and Self-Regulation (2018)
    Sesame Workshop and the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, Guest Blogger Author: Alexis Hiniker
  • Blog Post
    Should Screens Tell Kids to End Screen Time? Consumers Demand More Thoughtful Design, (2018)
    Jacobs Foundation Blog on Learning and Development (BOLD), Guest Blogger Author: Alexis Hiniker
  • Conference Paper
    The Stamp Plate and the Kicking Chair: Playful Productivity for Meals in Preschools (2018)
    Proceedings of the 17th annual ACM conference on interaction design and children (IDC ’18), Page 373-380 Authors: Ying-Yu Chen, Kelda Lee Baljon, Bonnie Tran, Daniela Rosner, Alexis Hiniker
  • Conference Paper
    Why Doesn't It Work? Voice-Driven Interfaces and Young Children's Communication Repair Strategies (2018)
    Proceedings of the 17th annual ACM conference on interaction design and children (IDC ’18), Page 337-348 Authors: Yi Cheng, Kuan-Chu Yen, Yeqi Chen, Sijin Chen, Yiran Ni, Alexis Hiniker
  • Conference Paper
    "It wasn't really about the Pokémon": Parental perspectives on a location-based mobile game (2017)
    Proceedings of the 2017 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Page 1483–1496 Authors: Kiley Sobel, Arpita Bhattacharya, Alexis Hiniker, Jin Ha Lee, Julie A. Kientz, Jason Yip
  • Conference Paper
    Co-Designing with Preschoolers Using Fictional Inquiry and Comicboarding (2017)
    Proceedings of the 2017 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Page 5767–5772 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Kiley Sobel, Bongshin Lee
  • Conference Paper
    Evaluating an iPad Game to Address Overselectivity in Preliterate AAC Users with Minimal Verbal Behavior (2017)
    Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '17), Page 240-249 Authors: L. Boyd, K. Ringland, H. Faucett, Alexis Hiniker, K. Klein, K. Patel, G. Hayes
  • Conference Paper
    Plan & Play: Supporting Intentional Media Use in Early Childhood (2017)
    Proceedings of the 2017 Conference on Interaction Design and Children, Page 85–95 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Bongshin Lee, Kiley Sobel, Eun Kyoung Choe
  • Ph.D. Thesis
    Supporting Intentional Media Use in Families (Dissertation) (2017)
    Author: Alexis Hiniker
  • Journal Article, Academic Journal
    Toward the operationalization of visual metaphor (2017)
    Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology, Volume 68, Issue 10, Page 2338–2349 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Sungsoo Ray Hong, Yea-Seul Kim, Nan-Chen Chen, Jevin West, Cecilia Aragon
  • Conference Paper
    Computing in early childhood (2016)
    Human Computer Interaction Consortium 2016: Connected Life Author: Alexis Hiniker
  • Conference Workshop Paper
    Considerations for the connected family (2016)
    Author: Alexis Hiniker
  • Journal Article, Academic Journal
    Contributions of symbolic and non-symbolic number sense to mathematical ability in children with autism spectrum disorders (2016)
    Journal of Autism and Development Disorders, Volume 46, Issue 4, Page 1268-1281 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, M. Rosenberg-Lee, V. Menon
  • Journal Article, Academic Journal
    Distinctive Role of Symbolic Number Sense in Mediating the Mathematical Abilities of Children with Autism (2016)
    Journal of autism and developmental disorders, Volume 46, Issue 4, Page 1268–1281 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Miriam Rosenberg-Lee, Vinod Menon
  • Journal Article, Academic Journal
    Hidden symbols: How informal symbolism in digital interfaces disrupts usability for preschoolers (2016)
    International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, Volume 90, Page 53–67 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Kiley Sobel, Hyewon Suh, Julie A. Kientz, others
  • Conference Paper
    MyTime: Designing and Evaluating an Intervention for Smartphone Non-Use (2016)
    Proceedings of the 2016 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Page 4746–4757 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Sungsoo Ray Hong, Tadayoshi Kohno, Julie A. Kientz
  • Conference Paper
    Not at the dinner table: Parents’ and children’s perspectives on family technology rules (2016)
    Proceedings of the 19th ACM Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work & Social Computing, Page 1376–1389 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Sarita Y Schoenebeck, Julie A. Kientz
  • Conference Paper
    Screen time tantrums: how families manage screen media experiences for toddlers and preschoolers (2016)
    Proceedings of the 2016 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Page 648–660 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Hyewon Suh, Sabina Cao, Julie A. Kientz
  • Conference Paper
    Why would you do that? Predicting the uses and gratifications behind smartphone-usage behaviors (2016)
    Proceedings of the 2016 ACM International Joint Conference on Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing, Page 634–645 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Shwetak N Patel, Tadayoshi Kohno, Julie A. Kientz
  • Journal Article, Professional Journal
    First do no harm: technology-induced risks to wellbeing (2015)
    Developing Skills for Wellbeing workshop at the 33rd annual ACM conference on human factors in computing systems Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Julie A. Kientz
  • Conference Paper
    Fostering healthy media habits in families (2015)
    Doctoral consortium in Interaction Design and Children Author: Alexis Hiniker
  • Conference Paper
    Privileged role of symbolic number sense in mediating math abilities in children with autism (2015)
    2015 International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR 2015) Author: Alexis Hiniker
  • Conference Paper
    Texting while parenting: How adults use mobile phones while caring for children at the playground (2015)
    Proceedings of the 33rd annual ACM conference on human factors in computing systems, Page 727–736 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Kiley Sobel, Hyewon Suh, Yi-Chen Sung, Charlotte Lee, Julie A. Kientz
  • Conference Paper
    Touchscreen prompts for preschoolers: designing developmentally appropriate techniques for teaching young children to perform gestures (2015)
    Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children, Page 109–118 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Kiley Sobel, Sungsoo Ray Hong, Hyewon Suh, Daniella Kim, Julie A. Kientz
  • Magazine/Trade Publication
    Ubicomp 2014 Report (2015)
    IEEE Pervasive Computing, Volume 15, Issue 1 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, S. Lee, M. Mikusz
  • Conference Paper
    @ BabySteps: design and evaluation of a system for using twitter for tracking children’s developmental milestones (2014)
    Proceedings of the 32nd annual ACM conference on Human factors in computing systems, Page 2279–2288 Authors: Hyewon Suh, John R Porter, Alexis Hiniker, Julie A. Kientz
  • Conference Paper
    Workshopping Expressive Language Games for Children with Autism (2014)
    Supporting Children with Complex Communication Needs workshop at the 32nd annual ACM conference on human factors in computing systems Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Julie A. Kientz
  • Conference Paper
    Go go games: therapeutic video games for children with autism spectrum disorders (2013)
    Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children, Page 463–466 Authors: Alexis Hiniker, Joy Wong Daniels, Heidi Williamson
  • Blog post
    Go go games brings Gaming to ABA Therapy (2012)
    Autism Speaks Guest Blogger Author: Alexis Hiniker
  • Journal Article, Academic Journal
    Understanding Parents’ Perspectives on Mealtime Technology
    Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies Authors: Yeqi Chen, Z. Li, Daniela Rosner, Alexis Hiniker

Presentations

  • Designing for Digital Wellbeing: A Research & Practice Agenda (2019)
    Workshop at the 37th annual ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI ’19) - Glasgow, U.K.
  • Childhood Play in a UbiComp World (2018)
    HCI Designing for People Seminar Series, University of British Columbia - Vancouver, BC
  • Designing for Children’s Mealtime: Opportunities for Playful IoT (2018)
    Internet of Tangible Things Workshop at the 36th annual ACM conference on human factors in computing systems (CHI ’18) - Montreal, Quebec
  • Designing for Evil: Blending Ethics and Design in Informatics (2018)
    Founding Board Annual Lunch - Seattle, WA
  • Don’t Make the World Worse, and Other Advice from the User Empowerment Lab (2018)
    dub Retreat - Seattle, WA
  • LGBTQ Privacy Concerns on Social Media (2018)
    Moving Beyond a “One-Size Fits All” Approach: Exploring Individual Differences in Privacy Workshop at the 36th annual ACM conference on human factors in computing systems (CHI ’18) - Montreal, Quebec
  • Living up to ‘Don’t be Evil’ When Designing Platforms (2018)
    AI+People Group, Google - Seattle, WA
  • The Stamp Plate and the Kicking Chair: Playful Productivity for Mealtime in Preschools (2018)
    17th Interaction Design and Children Conference - Trondheim, Norway
  • User Frustration with ‘User Engagement’: Intentional and Mindless Technology Use (2018)
    Stanford University Human-Computer Interaction Seminar - Stanford, California
  • User Frustration with ‘User Engagement’: Intentional and Mindless Technology Use (2018)
    University of Washington dub Seminar - Seattle, Washington
  • Voice Assistants, UX Design and Research (2018)
    36th annual ACM conference on human factors in computing systems (CHI ’18) - Montreal, Quebec
  • Why doesn't it work?: Voice-driven interfaces and young children's communication repair strategies (2018)
    17th Interaction Design and Children Conference - Trondheim, Norway
  • Early Childhood, Families, & Technology (2017)
    Infant and Early Childhood Conference - Tacoma, Washington
  • Research on Pokemon GO and Ingress at the University of Washington (2017)
    Invited talk at Niantic Labs for CEO and founder, and senior management - US
  • Kindness and computer science (2016)
    Puget Sound Computer Science Teachers’ Association annual high school programming competition - WA
  • Texting While Parenting: How Adults Use Mobile Phones when Caring for Children at the Playground (2014)
    Puget Sound World Usability Day - WA
  • Go Go Games: Therapeutic Video Games for Children with Autism (2013)
    Human Centered Design and Engineering Corporate Affiliates Day - WA