steve whittaker

Steve Whittaker is a cognitive psychologist who is interested in Human Computer Interaction, specifically psychological aspects involved in the design and use of digital artifacts. He is a professor of psychology at the University of California at Santa Cruz.

Whittaker studies how people use various digital technologies to collaborate, interact or manage their information. He then uses this understanding to design technologies that better meet people’s needs. He has used this approach to study and design new collaboration systems (computer supported co-operative work), computer mediated communication systems, and personal information management. He has examined how people use email, instant messaging and videoconferencing, identified problems people experience with these technologies and built improved systems as a result.

Currently, Whittaker is researching digital tools to help people remember important aspects of their lives (aka Lifelogging). He is also interested in the psychology of Social Media tools, such as facebook and wikis.