Microsoft Hires Researcher Bill Buxton

HostReview.com
Monday, December 19, 2005; 10:50 AM

Bill Buxton, a highly respected computer scientist and designer specializing in the human aspects of technology, has joined Microsoft Research to work on a variety of projects in its labs around the world.

Working as a senior researcher in Microsoft Research will allow Buxton to continue pursuing his strong interest in the use of technology to support creative activities such as design, filmmaking and music.

“Bill brings amazing creativity and an intense drive to make a positive difference in how people experience technology,” said Rick Rashid, senior vice president of Microsoft Research.

In his new position, Buxton will continue to live in Canada, making regular visits to the Microsoft Research lab in Redmond, Wash. He also will spend part of each year collaborating with various teams at Microsoft Research facilities in other countries, starting with a four-month residency in the Cambridge, England, lab that begins in January 2006.

Buxton, who began his career in music, has spent more than 30 years observing how people use technology and applying those insights to the human-computer interaction field.

In 1995, Buxton received the Canadian Human-Computer Communications Society Achievement Award for his contributions to research in computer graphics and human-computer interaction.

Before joining Microsoft Research, Buxton was principal of his own Toronto-based design and consulting firm as well as chief scientist at Bruce Mau Design Inc. in Toronto. He also is an associate professor in the department of computer science at the University of Toronto.