Amanda Baughan

Amanda Baughan is an expert specializing in human-computer interaction and user experience research, currently serving as an AI UX Researcher at Maincode. She is dedicated to transforming cutting-edge AI research into products seamlessly integrated into real-world workflows. Amanda earned her PhD in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of Washington in 2024, where she explored the intersection of design, psychology, and technology within social computing. Her research has been featured by Scientific American, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR, covering topics such as online conflict management and the impact of technology on social relationships. In addition to her research, she frequently teaches design ethics courses at the University of Washington Information School. Amanda possesses extensive professional experience, including roles at organizations like Google and the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence.

• 2025–Present·Maincode·AI UX Researcher
  • Translate AI research into user-friendly products
• 2024–2025·Google Maps (via Scalence collaboration)·User Experience Researcher (Contract)
  • Conduct mixed-methods research to inform data-driven design and product decisions
• 2018–2024·University of Washington User Empowerment Lab·Human-Computer Interaction Researcher
  • Conduct mixed-methods research to design, develop, and evaluate digital health solutions
• 2021–2022·Google Responsible AI·Research Intern
  • Assessed the impact of voice assistant failures on user trust
• 2019–2020·Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence·User Experience Researcher (Contract)
  • Improved human-computer interaction in research findings
• 2016–2018·Google·Operations Coordinator
  • Provided technical support to engineering teams and reduced manual workload through automation

• 2018–2024·University of Washington·PhD
  • Computer Science & Engineering (Human-Computer Interaction focus)
• 2016–2020·University of Washington·Master's Degree
  • Computer Science & Engineering
• 2012–2016·Miami University·Bachelor's Degree
  • Computer Science & Economics