The Tangible Media Group (TMG) aims to expand the frontiers of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Human-Human Interaction (HHI). TMG is internationally recognized for pioneering the influential HCI visions of Tangible Bits and Radical Atoms, which have significantly shaped the field’s research landscape. ▶︎ https://www.media.mit.edu/videos/tm-making-digital-tangible-2019-05-06/
As we broaden our research focus from HCI toward HHI, and from "remote space" to "remote time", we are seeking applicants for Fall 2027 admission who can contribute to the following research themes:
1. Tangible & AI-Mediated Human-Human Co-Ideation:
This research explores how tangible interfaces and generative AI can enhance human collaboration across time and space. By analyzing design sketches, annotations, gestures, and conversations, these systems support collaborative ideation & creation among people, with AI serving as a mediator and creative partner.
2. TeleAbsence:
TeleAbsence is a new research vision that extends telepresence into the past and the afterlife. It addresses the emotional and temporal distance created when loved ones drift apart or pass away. ▶︎ https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/158451
Rather than relying on explicit, synthetic, or generative representations of absent individuals, TeleAbsence creates poetic encounters with the digital and physical traces they leave behind. Through subtle and illusory forms of communication, it evokes a sense of connection with those who are no longer present.
We explore interactive storytelling through tangible objects—such as "phicons" (physical icons), pianos, antique telephones, and typewriters—that provide access to memories and emotional associations embedded in those objects.
Transdisciplinary Research
TMG pursues deeply transdisciplinary research. We expect our researchers to speak fluently across the languages of art, design, science, and technology—and to express their ideas through all four dimensions.
Influential academic publications are essential to advancing the fields of HCI, HHI, and Media Arts, especially ACM SIGCHI. At the same time, our work must transcend disciplinary boundaries and offer compelling new visions for the future of human interaction design.
Be Artistic & Analytic
Be Poetic & Pragmatic
Be Romantic & Realistic
Hiroshi Ishii
tangible.media.mit.edu
What We're Looking For:
The Tangible Media Group seeks graduate students who are creative, design-sensitive, technologically skilled, highly motivated, and committed to collaborative work.
Our research in Human–Human Interaction involves creating media and interactive systems that are both fully functional and aesthetically compelling. This work requires interdisciplinary expertise across areas such as product and interaction design, electrical and mechanical engineering, digital fabrication, advanced software development, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, psychology, and ethnography.
Strong applicants will have a solid background and demonstrated record in HCI and HHI research, including relevant publications—for example, at ACM SIGCHI conferences and journals—as well as experience in interaction design and AI systems development.
To apply to TMG, please provide the URL of your online design & research portfolio showcasing your past work and future vision, along with your CV and a statement. All materials must be accessible online; please do not send email attachments. We carefully review these materials when selecting candidates for interviews, which may be conducted in person or via Zoom.
Learn about applying through the Program in Media Arts & Sciences.