About the Lab
A lab that designs with communities, not merely for them.
DETOUR — Designing Technology with and for Underserved Populations — reimagines who computing is for and how it gets made.
We treat the lived experiences of marginalized communities not as an afterthought, but as the starting point of the design process. Based in the Department of Computer Science at Emory University, our work spans human-computer interaction, participatory design, qualitative inquiry, and computing education.
Grounded in Black feminist epistemologies, we develop methods — like sister circles — that create space for forms of knowledge conventional HCI often overlooks. Our research is collaborative, community-rooted, and committed to broadening who gets to shape technology. We welcome critical perspectives and engaging conversations with love and respect.
The people most affected by technology should help design it. We build with, not just for.
Black feminist thought and intersectionality guide how we question and reshape computing.
Our methods honor narrative, dialogue, and the dignity of the people we work alongside.
We meet one another — and the communities we serve — with love and respect.
Dr. Rankin is a recognized thought leader in applying Black feminist epistemologies as a critical framework for computing education. She directs the lab's research, facilitates the sister circles, and mentors students in qualitative inquiry.
Full bio & work →
