HCII Capstone Projects
Co-create innovative solutions with HCII students through a Capstone project
Our Capstone projects pair dedicated teams of students with real-world business challenges.
Project sponsors define the challenge; our students bring a solution to life.
What is the HCII Capstone Project?
In one semester or two, our interdisciplinary teams complete rounds of research, evaluation, iteration, prototyping and design for each project.
HCI students, guided by experienced faculty mentors, design innovative solutions that can lead to new or improved products, services and user experiences.
So this project is part of a CMU course?
Yes. Experiential learning is a key component of our programming, and the Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII)'s Capstone is the project course that brings it all together for our students.
Taken during the students' final semesters, the Capstone course gives students the opportunity to apply everything they have learned in the classroom so far, while collaborating professionally with a client.
Can you share a few of your recent Capstone collaborations?
One size does not fit all when it comes to human-centered innovation. We purposefully work with a variety of organizations on a variety of challenges.
Over the years, our students have partnered with global tech giants, startups, non-profits, and organizations of every size in between, to tackle their diverse challenges. A few recent project examples include:
- AI & Healthcare: Developed clinician-AI feedback interfaces
- Future of Mobility: Explored Human-AI teaming with 99P Labs
- Space Exploration: Problem-solved communication delays with NASA Ames
- Ed-Tech: Built AI-powered job shadowing and language learning systems
Ready to Innovate with Us?
Our inbox is always open.
While most of the HCII's Capstone projects begin in January, you can reach out at any time of year to submit a project idea.
Fill out this short form and we’ll be in touch soon.
Or, learn more about the unique program options below.
Learn More About the HCII Programs with Capstone Projects
We currently offer 3 unique Capstone project opportunities with varied timelines and focus areas.
Undergraduate HCI Capstone
A good fit for rapid prototyping and user-centered design explorations
- Duration: 1 semester (Spring: January-May)
- The Team: 4 to 5 interdisciplinary undergraduate seniors
- Focus: User research, brainstorming, iterative prototyping, and user testing
- Cost: No fee (note: requires weekly client engagement)
- Contact: Amelia Baisley
Master of HCI (MHCI) Capstone
A good fit for complex, end-to-end product or service innovations
- Duration: 2 semesters (Spring and Summer: January-August)
- The Team: 4 to 6 professional-level master's students
- Focus: A deep dive into organizational challenges resulting in a functional prototype and detailed design specifications
- Cost: Sponsorship fee required
- Contact: Raelin Musuraca
M.S. in Learning Engineering (MSLE) Capstone
A good fit for projects at the intersection of learning sciences, educational technology, artificial intelligence, and data science
- Duration: 2 semesters - Spring (January–May) and Fall (August–December)
- The Team: 4 to 6 graduate students with backgrounds in design, computer science, education, and psychology
- Focus: Applying educational technology, learning sciences, and AI to create personalized, immersive, or evidence-based educational tools
- Cost: Sponsorship fee required; discounts are available for startups and nonprofits
- Contact: Email us or Learn more on this MSLE/METALS page
What do past project clients say about the experience?
Learn about the client side of the Capstone from those familiar with the process.
Here is a testimonial from Becky Billock, co-founder and CEO of the Noteful music education app, and a repeat undergraduate HCI Capstone project sponsor.
Why Sponsor an HCII Capstone Project?
Receive high-impact deliverables - The client's project isn't just a theoretical exercise; it's woven into the Capstone course. Clients receive hundreds of hours of skilled labor, resulting in functional prototypes, user research insights and comprehensive documentation.
Collaborate with creative students - Our talented teams bring fresh perspectives, interdisciplinary expertise and the latest research methodologies to your project.
Stay on track with expert faculty guidance - Every student Capstone team is mentored by CMU faculty advisors, ensuring that the work meets rigorous academic and professional standards.
Not sure which HCII Capstone would be the best fit for you and your organization? No problem. Reach out and we'll find the right program match together.