Human-Centered Algorithm Design

How do you make it easier for people to understand, design, and critique how algorithms are built? Human-Centered Algorithm Design grew out of the AI-Kitchen discussion series, translating its plain-language approach to algorithms — from Tinder's matching to Airbnb's location features — into a Harvard SEAS course.

The course examined how to write about algorithms for non-technical audiences, how human values relate to AI systems, the design of algorithmic interfaces and human-robot interactions, and the questions of accessibility, representation, and desirability that decide whether an algorithm serves the people who use it.

After the course's run, leadership transitioned to better-positioned organizations at Harvard, MIT, and beyond — including a later collaboration with the BKC–MIT AI Initiative.