Georgia Tech recently announced the appointment of Richard Henneman as the new director of its interdisciplinary MS program in Human-Computer Interaction (MS-HCI) and as professor of the practice in the School of Interactive Computing. The MS-HCI degree program is a joint undertaking of the schools of Industrial Design; Interactive Computing; Literature, Media and Communications; and Psychology.
Henneman, a 1985 Ph.D. graduate of the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, has extensive corporate HCI experience at NCR (director of user-centered design and director of corporate usability), marchFIRST (director of information architecture), Internet Security Systems (chief information architect and manager of usability and user experience), and AT&T (principal – user experience research). He has also worked as an independent consultant and at Georgia Tech in research, administration, and management of an interdisciplinary MS degree program.
GT’s MS-HCI degree, established in 1997 with support from the Sloan Foundation, is widely considered to be one of the best HCI programs in the world. The program graduated it first class in 1998 with three students. This year, the program will graduate 34 students with 40 slated for next year.
Coursework includes HCI principles and practice plus next-generation computationally-mediated application areas such as ubiquitous and mobile computing, learning science and technology, information visualization, civic media, augmented and virtual reality, interactive TV, interactive narrative, and embedded computing product design. All students complete a capstone project with a Tech faculty member.
In accepting the opportunity, Henneman said: “I am so enthused about returning to Georgia Tech to lead this outstanding program. I am especially excited about the chance to work with the students, faculty, industry partners, and alumni.”
“Graduates are in high demand, as companies seek to enhance their web presence and develop innovative new computer-enabled devices, games, toys, appliances, and services,” said Jim Foley, the current director who will continue to work with the program in his role as IC faculty coordinator. “Our program is widely considered to be one of the best in the world; Dick is the right person to maintain and enhance that reputation.”
School of Interactive Computing Chair Annie Anton, speaking on behalf of the four schools offering the degree, said: “It is wonderful to have Dick back at Georgia Tech to take this prestigious program to even greater prominence!”
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Phillip Taylor
News and Media Relations Manager
ptaylor@cc.gatech.edu
