We conduct research aimed at creating more convenient, enjoyable, meaningful, and valuable user experiences. Through the entire process cycle of HCI/UX (research →  design/development → evaluation), we explore interactions between humans and technology and pursue continuous design innovation.

Our research focuses on:

• Understanding users through systematic user research methodologies and deriving design guidelines
• Designing products and services that offer new experiences or value
• Evaluating user experiences of products and services
• Investigating how new experiences enabled by technology influence human thought and behavior

Our research spans a wide range of technologies, from traditional web services and mobile applications to IoT devices, AR/VR, and AI. Recently, we have placed increasing emphasis on research topics related to AI services. We believe that applying technology grounded in a deep understanding of people can ultimately foster better communication between individuals, and this belief drives our research.

The DEY Lab is part of the Department of Innovation at the Yonsei University Graduate School. This affiliation creates an ideal environment for multidisciplinary research, enabling close collaboration not only in design but also in technological and social innovation.

Balance
In HCI/UX research, we believe research and development should go hand in hand. Rather than treating them as separate activities, we see them as complementary — development is informed by research, and research evolves through the insights and questions that arise during development. We value flexibility in methodology too, applying both quantitative and qualitative approaches depending on the research purpose.

Execution
Thoughtful planning is essential, but meaningful progress often happens through action. Once we have a clear direction, we believe in prototyping, testing, and learning through doing. This is especially true for human-centered research, where real insights often come from direct interaction rather than assumption.

Commitment to Fundamentals
In a fast-changing landscape of new technologies and methods, we see a strong grasp of fundamentals as the key to staying agile. A solid foundation gives us the confidence to adapt thoughtfully as technologies evolve.

At the core of all of this is care for people — genuine curiosity and respect for the user shape everything we do.

Our lab includes master's and PhD students, as well as undergraduate interns, from a variety of backgrounds including design, humanities, social sciences, and engineering.

While everyone conducts independent research, we also encourage collaboration in teams when interests align. We believe in giving students the opportunity to experience different roles during their time in the lab. This often means leading an individual research project, contributing to at least one industry-academic collaboration, and serving as a teaching assistant at least once.

We foster a research environment that emphasizes autonomy. The advisor’s role is to guide and mentor, allowing students to take initiative and shape their own research journey. Although some guidance is provided, projects typically begin from topics that students themselves are passionate about, which helps sustain motivation and ownership.

We support this approach by ensuring access to the resources students need, both human and material. In addition, our department provides a rich infrastructure for global collaboration and creates opportunities to translate research outcomes into entrepreneurial ventures.