Human-Centered Computing (HCC) is a research area that focuses on designing and developing technology with a primary emphasis on human needs, behaviors, and experiences. It aims to create systems that are intuitive, accessible, and improve the way people interact with technology. A major subsection of HCC is Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), which studies how users engage with digital systems and works to create better user experiences. HCI research involves designing user interfaces and interaction models for everything from touchscreens and virtual reality to voice assistants, always aiming to enhance the usability and efficiency of technology in everyday life.
Another key area within HCC is Computational Social Science, which applies computational methods to analyze and understand social behavior and societal dynamics. By leveraging large-scale data from online interactions, social media, and other digital sources, this field studies human communication, collaboration, and community building in the digital age. This research informs the design of systems that support social interaction, help us better understand social phenomena, and shape the development of digital tools that foster collaboration and positive societal impact.