Hailey L Johnson, smiling headshot
· PhD Candidate · UW-Madison ·

Hailey L Johnson

she / her

I'm a CS PhD student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the People and Robots Lab, advised by Prof. Bilge Mutlu. I design and build supportive technologies for adults with Down syndrome.

HCI Accessibility Down syndrome Cognitive disability Technology design Computer engineering

Research Journey

My Research Journey

I am committed to creating inclusive, accessible technologies that enable adults with DS to achieve their personal and occupational goals. My research is guided by a collaborative, user-centered approach that includes building connections with the DS community, engaging in co-design studies, and conducting user studies of technology solutions. Through this process, I strive to bridge the gap between technological innovation and the lived experiences of adults with DS.

Highlights of my work include:

  • Conducting qualitative interview studies with adults with DS, their parents, and experts to explore how technology is currently used within their daily lives and identify opportunities for technology support.
  • Completing a systematic scoping literature review to uncover gaps in existing research and inform the design of future assistive technologies.
  • Leading technology probe studies to prototype and refine innovative budgeting systems that integrate AR, gamification, and tangible interfaces.
  • Assessing computer security and privacy notifications to develop more accessible systems for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

My goal is to ensure that every project centers the voices of adults with DS, designing technologies that are not only functional but also empowering and meaningful.

Collaborators

The Team Around Me

Advisor Professor Graduate Student Undergrad Mentee
Dr. Bilge Mutlu
Advisor · Professor, CS
Dr. Audra Sterling
Collaborator · Professor, CSD & Waisman
Dr. Rahul Chatterjee
Collaborator · Professor, CS
Dr. Yuhang Zhao
Committee · Professor, CS
Dr. Kevin Ponto
Committee · Professor, Design Studies / WID
Callie Kim
Graduate Collaborator
Julia Nonnenkamp
Graduate Collaborator
Heidi Spalitta
Graduate Mentee
Aishwarya Borse
Undergraduate Mentee
Vibhrav Jha
Undergraduate Mentee
Harsh Singh
Undergraduate Mentee

Outside the Lab

Hobbies & Interests

Hiking + National Parks

Growing up in Washington made loving the outdoors feel inevitable. Hiking is one of my favorite ways to slow down and recharge. I'm gradually checking national parks off my list and already have the next few planned.

Reading

I enjoy fantasy, magical realism, and classics, especially stories driven by strong characters and thoughtful reflections on identity, relationships, and meaning. A few favorites:

  • Gideon the Ninth
  • Mrs. Dalloway
  • The Ocean at the End of the Lane
  • House in the Cerulean Sea
  • Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
  • Before the Coffee Gets Cold
  • Transcendent Kingdom
  • The Alchemist
  • 1984

Sewing

I picked up sewing during COVID as a creative outlet, and it quickly became a favorite way to unwind. Tote bags, quilts, dresses, pants, jackets, shirts — though my growing fabric stash suggests I may be more optimistic than realistic about future projects.

Baking

Taught by my mom, baking has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Cakes, pies, cookies, sourdough — one of my favorite ways to relax and connect with others.

Looking Ahead

Future Career Vision

My long-term aspiration is to become a professor of Computer Science, with a lab that focuses on accessibility for individuals with cognitive disabilities. I hope to establish a research program that bridges academia and the community, with students volunteering alongside local organizations to foster meaningful connections.

My vision extends beyond academia. I want to contribute to evolving accessibility guidelines for industry and government, ensuring technology is inclusive for everyone. Reach out anytime if you'd like to connect!