Labs – kmdi.utoronto.ca

Research

KMDI fosters inclusive communities of practice where researchers, designers, technologists, and policymakers collaborate to explore the social dimensions of technology and design. Through workshops, labs, and events, we create spaces for dialogue, experimentation, and shared learning across disciplines and sectors.

KMDI advances policy-relevant research that shapes public debate and informs ethical, equitable technology governance. We work with academic, civic, and industry partners to translate research into action—advocating for responsible innovation and inclusive design in AI, data, and digital systems.

STREET Lab

Director Priyank Chandra

Research Our research is influenced by Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Information and Communication Technologies & Development (ICTD), Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), Social Computing, Development Studies, Political Science, Feminist and Queer theories, Postcolonial Studies, and Critical Theory.

Social Agentics Lab

Director Matt Ratto

Research Agentic AI represents a transformative shift in artificial intelligence—where autonomous, proactive decision-making systems can operate within complex workflows, dynamically interact with human users in natural language, and adapt to social and organizational contexts.

Labour Lab

Director Vera Khovanskaya

Research The Labour Process and Technology Lab (Labour Lab) explores the intersection of work, automation, and social change. We examine the impact of emerging technologies on labour dynamics, the redistribution of power within workplaces, and the potential of these technologies to drive shifts across both workplace structures and collective movements.

Makerspace

Makerspace Technician & Lab Coordinator Cookie Brunel

Research Located in the Faculty of Information, at the University of Toronto’s St. George campus, the KMDI Makerspace provides faculty and students from across the Tri-Campus with a creative space where they can explore different technologies, be creative, and make things within a collaborative and safe environment.