George Fitzmaurice

George Fitzmaurice is a researcher at Autodesk Research, where he leads the Human-Computer Interaction and Visualization team. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from MIT, a Master's degree in Computer Science from Brown University, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Toronto. Over his research career of more than 25 years, he has published over 120 academic papers, been awarded 95 patents, and was recognized in 2019 as an ACM CHI Distinguished Member for his significant contributions to the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). In 2024, he was named an ACM Fellow. His research spans areas such as technology-assisted learning systems, knowledge capture and retrieval, high-interactivity visualization systems, augmented reality/virtual reality, and innovative input and interaction techniques. Some of his notable contributions include the user interface design for Maya 1.0, the SketchBook Pro interface design, 3D navigation tools (ViewCube™ and SteeringWheels™), and the development of Autodesk Screencast and SketchBook Motion apps. He pioneered the field of "Graspable UIs" and introduced the concepts of "Spatially-Aware Displays" and "Context Information Spaces." His current research focuses on the potential impacts of generative AI and multimodal systems on human-computer interaction interfaces and software user experiences.

• Current | Autodesk Research | Head of Human-Computer Interaction and Visualization Research Group
  • Research areas include technology-assisted learning systems, knowledge capture and retrieval, interactive visualization systems, AR/VR technologies, and the development of novel interaction techniques.
  • Led and contributed to key projects, such as the user interface for Maya 1.0, the SketchBook Pro interface design, and 3D navigation tools.

• 1980-1984·MIT·Bachelor’s Degree
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
• 1985-1987·Brown University·Master’s Degree
  • Computer Science
• 1988-1992·University of Toronto·Doctorate
  • Computer Science, focusing on the research of Graspable User Interfaces