MaryAnn Steiner

Papers

Total Citations

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About

MaryAnn Steiner is a leading researcher in human-computer interaction, with a focus on community engagement, creativity support tools, and the social applications of robotics and sensing technologies. Her most cited work, "Local issues, local uses" (2009, 61 citations), presents six innovative creativity support tools designed to foster grassroots expression and civic participation through robotics and sensing. This foundational paper not only evaluates the strengths and limitations of each tool but also identifies critical challenges in designing technology for local, community-driven contexts. Steiner’s contributions are notable for bridging technical development with real-world social impact, demonstrating how interactive systems can empower non-expert users to address local issues creatively. Her research has influenced the design of accessible, participatory technologies, making her a key voice in the movement toward more inclusive and context-aware computing. With a career dedicated to understanding how people use technology to express themselves and solve community problems, Steiner’s work continues to inspire researchers and practitioners in HCI, ubiquitous computing, and community informatics.