# Allison J. Druin

> American computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q57515696](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57515696)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allison_Druin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/allison-j-druin

## Summary
Allison J. Druin is an American computer scientist known for her pioneering work in creating information and computing technologies with and for children. She has made significant contributions to human-computer interaction and educational technology. Druin was named an ACM Fellow in 2016 for her groundbreaking research in this field.

## Biography
- Born: 1963
- Nationality: American
- Education: Ph.D. from University of New Mexico; additional education at MIT, Bank Street College of Education, and University of Hawaii
- Known for: Creating information and computing technologies with and for children
- Employer(s): University of Maryland College Park (Professor Emerita), University of Hawaii
- Field(s): Computer science, human-computer interaction, educational technology

## Contributions
Allison Druin has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of human-computer interaction, particularly in designing technologies for children. Her most significant work involves developing collaborative technologies that enable children to participate as design partners in creating new technologies. At the University of Maryland, she led the Human-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL) from 2006 to 2011, where she pioneered methods for involving children in the design process of new technologies. Her research has resulted in numerous publications and has influenced how technology is developed for educational purposes. Druin has also served as a Special Advisor for National Digital Strategy at the University of Hawaii, where she worked on digital initiatives and technology policy. Her work has been recognized with the ACM Distinguished Member award in 2014 and the ACM Fellowship in 2016, highlighting her lasting impact on the field of computer science and technology design for children.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Allison Druin best known for?
A: Allison Druin is best known for pioneering the concept of children as design partners in technology development, creating collaborative methods where children work alongside researchers and designers to create new technologies.

### Q: Where did Allison Druin work?
A: Allison Druin worked at the University of Maryland College Park as a professor and director of the Human-Computer Interaction Lab from 2006 to 2011, and later served as Special Advisor for National Digital Strategy at the University of Hawaii.

### Q: What awards has Allison Druin received?
A: Allison Druin has received the ACM Distinguished Member award in 2014 and was named an ACM Fellow in 2016 for her contributions to creating information and computing technologies with and for children.

## Why They Matter
Allison Druin's work fundamentally changed how technology is designed for children by establishing children as active participants rather than passive users in the design process. Her methodology of involving children as design partners has become a standard approach in educational technology development, influencing countless research projects and commercial products. Without her contributions, the field of child-computer interaction would likely still be dominated by adult-centric design approaches that fail to consider children's unique perspectives and needs. Her research has directly impacted how educational technologies are developed, making them more effective, engaging, and appropriate for young users. The frameworks and methods she developed continue to be taught in universities and applied in industry, ensuring her influence extends far beyond her direct publications and projects.

## Notable For
- Named ACM Fellow in 2016 for contributions to creating information and computing technologies with and for children
- Directed the University of Maryland's Human-Computer Interaction Lab from 2006 to 2011
- Pioneered the concept of children as design partners in technology development
- Received ACM Distinguished Member award in 2014
- Served as Special Advisor for National Digital Strategy at the University of Hawaii

## Body
### Early Career and Education
Allison Druin earned her Ph.D. and built her academic foundation through studies at multiple institutions including MIT, Bank Street College of Education, and the University of Hawaii. Her interdisciplinary background combining education and computer science positioned her uniquely to bridge these fields in her research.

### Research at University of Maryland
From 2006 to 2011, Druin served as director of the Human-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL) at the University of Maryland College Park. During this period, she developed and refined methodologies for involving children as active participants in technology design. Her work at HCIL established new standards for participatory design with young users, resulting in numerous publications and influencing both academic research and industry practices.

### Children as Design Partners
Druin's most significant contribution was establishing the framework for children to serve as design partners in technology development. This approach involves children working alongside researchers, designers, and developers throughout the entire design process, from initial concept to final implementation. This methodology has been widely adopted in educational technology development and has influenced how companies and researchers approach user-centered design for children's products.

### Recognition and Impact
Her contributions were formally recognized when she was named an ACM Fellow in 2016, with the citation specifically noting her work "For contributions to creating information and computing technologies with and for children." This recognition, along with her 2014 ACM Distinguished Member award, underscores the significance of her work in advancing both the theoretical understanding and practical application of child-centered technology design.

### Later Career
After her tenure at Maryland, Druin took on the role of Special Advisor for National Digital Strategy at the University of Hawaii, where she applied her expertise in technology design and policy to broader digital initiatives. This position allowed her to extend her influence beyond academic research into practical technology policy and implementation.

## References

1. [Ancestry](https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?viewrecord=1&r=an&db=NJMarriageIndexes&indiv=try&h=1084896713)
2. [Source](http://hcil.umd.edu/hcil-overview/)
3. [Source](https://www.acm.org/media-center/2016/december/fellows-2016)
4. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/distinguished-members/award-winners)
5. Mathematics Genealogy Project
6. [Source](https://drum.lib.umd.edu/items/b0a9db87-3f08-4479-83a6-77766bb46fd6)
7. Integrated Authority File
8. ACM Digital Library
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File