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Joanna McGrenere

(She/her)

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Professor, Computer Science, University of British Columbia

Research shows that some ‘distraction blocker’ apps can deepen feelings of shame and inadequacy around productivity for neurodivergent people. (Unsplash/Nubelson Fernandes)

June 3, 2026

Focus apps are failing neurodivergent minds, new research finds

Joanna McGrenere, University of British Columbia and Kevin Chow, New York University

Many focus apps fail to consider neurodivergent strengths, such as the ability to hyperfocus.

It’s challenging to make virtual assistants sound natural and conversational? (Shutterstock)

June 7, 2021

Making virtual assistants sound human poses a challenge for designers

Dongwook Yoon, University of British Columbia and Joanna McGrenere, University of British Columbia

As the use of virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa expand in homes and workplaces, designers are working to make voice exchanges more natural.

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