HCI at MUN

Human-Computer Interaction at MUN

Welcome to the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab in the Department of Computer Science at Memorial University, led by Jay Henderson. The lab mainly focuses on understanding human performance and experience with some form of input or interaction with a computer. Lately, we have worked on interactions with existing and new technologies, such as extended reality (VR, AR, MR) and generative AI.

Our work is supported by:

Research Areas

Our research lab is currently interested in the following areas:

Interactions in extended reality (VR, AR, MR):
- Barehand input mechanics
- XR in context (e.g. productivity, games, etc.)
- Spatial awareness, memory, and skill acquisition
Input and interactions with generative AI systems:
- Multi-modal input techniques for generative AI
- Using LLMs in context (e.g. games, writing, image generation)

Note: COMP 3150 is a prerequisite for MUN CS students interested in pursuing an Honours project with the lab.

Recent Publications

Comparing Pinch and Point Poses for Single-Stroke Drawing in Virtual Reality.
Tushar Billakanti, Jay Henderson
IEEE TVCG 2026
Best Paper Honourable Mention (ISMAR 2026).
DOI // PDF

A Comparison of Speech and Typing Input for Creative Generative AI Tasks.
Nishant Rathore, Tushar Billakanti, Jessy Ceha, Jay Henderson
CUI 2026
DOI // PDF

Effects of Virtual Controller Representation and Virtuality on Selection Performance in Extended Reality.
Eric DeMarbre, Jay Henderson, J. Felipe Gonzalez, Robert J. Teather
VRST 2025
Nominated for Best Paper.
DOI // PDF

Investigating Presence Across Rendering Style and Ratio of Virtual to Real Content in Mixed Reality.
Eric DeMarbre, Jay Henderson, Robert J. Teather
SUI 2024
DOI // PDF