Human-computer interaction pioneer Bill Buxton has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. (Photo: billbuxton.com)
Alumnus and Adjunct Professor Bill Buxton has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.
Buxton began his career as a composer and performer and in 1975, he started designing his own digital musical instruments. This led him to the University of Toronto’s Dynamic Graphics Project (dgp) in the Department of Computer Science as an artist-in-residence where he experimented with novel ways to make music with computers. His research in the department included building one of the first digital synthesizers and developing graphical user interfaces for music. He earned his Master of Science in computer science in 1978 and cemented his technical specialty in the field of human-computer interaction.
Over the years, Buxton has remained closely involved with the Department of Computer Science as a lecturer, associate professor and adjunct professor. In recognition of his significant contributions, Buxton has been awarded four honorary degrees, including an honorary doctorate of science from the University of Toronto in 2013.
In 2011, he became the first recipient of the annual Grand Canadian Digital Media Pioneer Award, recognizing his work pioneering multi-touch systems and novel user interface designs for computer music systems that paved the way for ubiquitous technology in track pads and touch screens.
Throughout his career, he has placed an emphasis on human values, and social and cultural experiences in the design and innovation of new products and technologies.
Buxton has been recognized “for his groundbreaking research and innovations in human-computer interaction and user-centred design,” according to the Order of Canada citation.
The Order of Canada “recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to our nation.”
Buxton is among 78 new appointees to the Order of Canada for 2023.
Read the full announcement from the Governor General of Canada →
Read more at U of T News: U of T community members recognized by Order of Canada →