Ollie Hanton

I am a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Human Computer Interaction working at the University of Bath. I completed my PhD with the Bristol Interaction Group under Professor Anne Roudaut and Professor Mike Fraser. My vision is to empower makers with the ability to 3D print interactive devices, to enable free-form, multi-modal Human-Computer Interaction. My research explores this potential by bringing together material explorations, fabrication research and creative practice exploration.

In my PhD (2019-2023), I specialised in 3D printing, electroluminescent (EL) materials and spray deposition. We developed ProtoSpray (CHI2020), a method for fabrication free-form interactive devices through thermoplastic printing and EL spraying. We explored FabricatINK (CHI2022), the use of E ink within interactive display widgets. We defined the challenges and opportunities of this space within DisplayFab (CHI2024) and most recently explored the development of an augmented reality spraying tool, Dispray (CHI2026), building on insights from Artists and Engineers. For a short explaination of my initial research vision, please see my 3-Minute Thesis.

I teach Human-Computer Interaction, having convened and led modules delivered to 2nd year, 3rd year and MComp students. I am Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Chair for my department working on outreach, gender equality and inclusive environments. I currently supervise 6 PhD students and am open to accepting final year dissertation, MSc project students and PhD students.

My academic training is in Maths and Computer Science and I have experience in software development. I am contactable on linkedin and directly by email.