Thomas A. Furness

Shaping discourse in the realm of human interface technology and virtual reality, Thomas A. Furness is a distinguished professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Washington. With a profound commitment to advancing the frontiers of technology, he also serves as an adjunct professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Human Centered Design and Engineering. His pioneering work has significantly influenced the development and application of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies. Professor Furness is renowned for founding the Human Interface Technology Laboratory (HIT Lab) at the University of Washington, a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation in human-computer interaction. His visionary leadership extends internationally as the founder and international director of the HIT Lab NZ at the University of Canterbury and the HIT Lab Australia at the University of Tasmania. These labs are instrumental in fostering global collaboration and advancing research in interfaces between humans and complex machines. His research interests encompass a wide array of fields, including virtual reality, augmented reality, computer graphics, and medical device technology. Through his work, Professor Furness seeks to enhance the way humans interact with complex systems, making technology more intuitive and accessible. His contributions have not only shaped academic discourse but have also had a profound impact on industry practices and technological development. Professor Furness's dedication to education and research is reflected in his commitment to mentoring the next generation of engineers and researchers. His work has inspired countless students and professionals to explore the possibilities of human interface technology, driving innovation and discovery in this rapidly evolving field. With numerous publications and patents to his name, Professor Furness continues to be a leading figure in the exploration of new frontiers in technology. His work remains at the forefront of efforts to bridge the gap between humans and machines, ensuring that technology serves to enhance human capabilities and improve quality of life.