The Health, Aging, and Technology Lab (THAT Lab) is directed by Amanda Lazar at the University of Maryland, College Park. We are a part of the Human-Computer Interaction Lab and are located in the College of Information.

Our lab studies technology design for aging. We aim to identify and counter stigmatizing views of older adults that inadvertantly seep into technology design. For example, we research how ageist narratives shape technology design and use, propose modifications to traditional user-centered design methods, and identify new areas for research that have been neglected due to a disproportionate focus on functional needs in older adulthood. Much of our research is with older people with memory concerns, where additional biases affect technology design and use.

The methods that we employ in our research include user-centered and design methods to involve the people with whom we work. We benefit by co-researching with older adults, people with dementia, and local and international activist organizations that share our goals. We work towards a society that embraces diversity in age and cognitive ability.

Our work is funded by the National Science Foundation as well as the Administration for Community Living as a part of the Trace RERC.