Ollie Hanton

I am a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Human Computer Interaction working at the University of Bath. My vision is to empower makers with the ability to 3D Print Interactive Devices, enabling free-form, multi-modal Human-Computer Interaction. My research pushes the boundaries on what we can create by bringing together explorations in materials, fabrication and creative practice. I currently supervise 6 PhD students, with whom we have most recently published papers on high resolution electroluminescent display fabrication: Spray and Etch UIST2026; and Electrotactile Feedback: WearTactile CHI2026 Poster

I completed my PhD with the Bristol Interaction Group under Professor Anne Roudaut and Professor Mike Fraser. In my PhD (2019-2023), I specialised in 3D printing, electroluminescent 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. My academic training is in Maths (BSc) and Computer Science (MSc) and I have worked as a software developer. I am contactable on linkedin and directly by email. and am open to accepting final year dissertation, MSc project students and PhD students.