ABOUT
plantai is an interdisciplinary ecological interaction design research and HCI lab directed by Dr. Maliheh Ghajargar (Mali). The lab focuses on inquiries at the intersection of design, technology, and the ecological world to envision and build multispecies and postanthropocentric futures.

METHODS
We use qualitative and design research methods, such as ethnographic observations, participatory design, diary, probes, co-design sessions and prototyping to iteratively study people’s interactions with technologies and environments and offer theoretical, technological and methodological insights.

The lab is entering into a new, exciting phase! As part of that housekeeping, we will also launch a new website in Spring 2027.

Allumni
2025-2026: Lizzie Bork (Design), Lucy Periale (Design)
2024-2025: Kristen Ratnaparkhi (Design)
2023-2024: Madison Nesbit (Psychology), Maha Bhatti (Computer Science)

news

New research project, 2024 – 2026
“Invisible Subjects: Creativity Toolkit for Eco-sustainable AI” Funded by Wilkinson College, CU.

Research seminar, April 6, 2024
Dr. Maliheh Ghajargar gave an invited research talk “designing with nature data” at Women in Data Science (WiDS) Worldwide conference regional chapter in Irvine, CA.

Research seminar, March 12, 2024
Dr. Maliheh Ghajargar gave a seminar on her research human-nature interactions and AI at Fowler School of Engineering.

Research talk, March 1, 2024
Dr. Maliheh Ghajargar gave a research talk “More than Human Interaction Design” at the newly established School of Data Science and Society at UNC.

Research presentation, 2023
Madison Nesbit, presented her work on the future of creative work as a poster at the student research symposium!

Field trip, 2023
Sequoia National Park
Tulare, CA

Field trip, 2023
Earthships
Taos, NM

New research project, 2023 – 2024
“Posthuman Sustainable Interaction Design: Field trips, Patterns, Artifacts”
Funded by FGRSC.