Alice Hong is a technologist and HCI researcher, who loves storytelling in all forms - visual, tactile, experiential.
Her work examines the interactive relationship between materials, design, technology, and their influence on user experience, human ergonomics, and social impact.
Currently, I'm a master candidate in the Tangible Media Group at MIT Media Lab. My research focuses on programmable materials, human-computer interaction, and digital fabrication. My background is in Fiber Science and Apparel Design with a B.S. degree from Cornell University.
Prior to joining the Lab, I have experience in computational knitting machines, 3D body scanning technology, and product development with Accenture and various R&D companies. I believe everything is connected and envisions our lives seamlessly interconnected with HCI, Material Science, Design, and Engineering.
I chose to go to Cornell because I love the motto of the department, Human Ecology. It follows what I truly believe in—everything is connected. Just how natural ecosystems work, I believe every subject and discipline is related.
I'm passionate about the intersection of design, media, and technology, and how it influences people's minds, cognition, psychology, and behaviors. Especially the experience people have when interacting with and through materials. The relation we have with clothing in our everyday lives and how it is one of the human basic needs intrigued me the most.
The constant technological evolution fascinates me. Learning about new concepts, new features, and new technical challenges opens up to a new perspective. Coming up with a new vision by merging seemingly unrelated things excite me, leading to a flurry of ideas.
On the other hand, when I think about clothing, I realized there has not been much change in the fashion industry. Thanks to the introduction of wearable devices, people are more accepting and adapting new technology into day-to-day life. However, I have always felt that there is a gap between users and technology.
When new things come out, whether it is a product or system, in order for people to accept and adapt to them, an emotional connection is crucial. In order to create an emotional connection, the interface needs to evoke people's senses. Once the personal tie is formed, the collection of emotions and memories started to build, which becomes an experience. That leads people to integrate new products or systems into their lifestyles.
As a designer and engineer, I envision bringing my knowledge in HCI and textiles as connecting dots, like a string of yarn, weaving the gap between the various disciplines whether it's design, science, art, and engineering.
Education
2019 - 2021
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Human Computer Interaction
2014 - 2018
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
B.S Fiber Science and Apparel Design
2017 - 2017
University of Vic, Barcelona
Digital Media
Awards
2018
I am Humec, Featured Student of the Month
2018
Cornell Fashion Industry and Network
2017
Class Nominee for International Textile and Apparel Association
2016
Barbara L. Kuhlman Inc. Fiber Arts and Wearable Scholarship
2014
Dean Lists 2014 - 2015
Exhibitions
2018
CO-DESIGN , Jill Stuart Gallery
2018
Fashion Speaks Gala, Fiber Science and Apparel Design Department
2016
Facade of New Year, College of Human Ecology
2016
Cornell Collective Fashion Show
Contact Me