I'm Frank Chen.
I research behavior change and social sharing.

I build systems and study people. As a human-computer interaction researcher, I learn how people use their technologies and design new ways to connect them with what they want to do. I am generally interested in persuasive design, social sharing, and ubiquitous human-computer interaction. My passion is to create technologies that connect us with purpose in everyday activities to positively influence our mind, our body, and our relationships.


Currently, I research the workflow of people who analyze very large datasets at Sandia Labs Livermore. Both here and in everyday life, people need to make sense of large numbers of signals (e.g. email, text, mobile alerts, etc). These signals will likely increase in number, demand more of our attention and require more effort to understand. We have a pressing need to understand how to manage these technologies. I use my expertise in the persuasive design process, rapid prototyping, and web development to push the boundaries of our understanding.


I graduated Stanford with a M.S. with a Distinction in Research in Human-Computer Interaction; my thesis (titled: Designing Health Messages: Framing Exergames for Exercise Improves Duration of Use) delved into the importance of contextual-framing and feedback for health improvement. I graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Computer Science where I researched the architecture of network systems, image processing, and design of group decision making technology.