Jonathan Zong

Computer Scientist, Artist

Bio

Jonathan Zong is a researcher who uses design as a method for understanding and re-imagining sociotechnical systems. Trained as a computer scientist and visual artist, he uses design to create artifacts that empower marginalized individuals and communities, while advancing scholarly conversations about the technical and ethical aspects of building interactive systems.

In his research, Jonathan partners with blind collaborators and study participants to codesign interfaces for non-visual data exploration. These interfaces support the autonomy and agency of blind and low-vision users to conduct self-guided data analysis and help them establish common ground with sighted users with shared spatial data metaphors.

In addition to his accessible visualization work, Jonathan has designed open-source software for managing the ethics of consent in large-scale social-media research. He has also developed conceptual frameworks for designers and activists to develop strategies for refusing mass data collection by powerful actors.

As a practicing artist, his work has been exhibited at events and venues including MIT's Wiesner Gallery, the Marcel Broodthaers Society of America art gallery in New York, and the Centre National du Graphisme in Chaumont, France.

Jonathan completed his PhD in human-computer interaction with the Visualization Group at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and will be Assistant Professor in Information Science at University of Colorado Boulder in 2025. He holds degrees from Princeton University in visual arts and computer science.

Research Topic

As a Design Fellow, Jonathan worked with blind and low-vision collaborators and study participants to design tools for multi-sensory data analysis, making complementary use of graphics, description, and sound.

Read the full story on Jonathan and his work:
MIT MAD Fellow Improves Accessibility of Online Graphics for Blind Users

FORBES 30 UNDER 30 IN SCIENCE 2023
Forbes magazine announced in November 2022 that Jonathan Zong was named to its Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science 2023 list.

Zong is being recognized for his work creating assistive technology that turns online visual data, such as charts and graphs, into text-to-speech, allowing blind and visually impaired people to access visual information that is frequently included in online material, but often not translated into accessible text.

“As institutions increasingly rely on data visualization to communicate important information visually—from election results to COVID-19 case rates—lack of equitable information access for blind and low-vision people excludes many from participating fully in public life,” says Zong.

“Our work at the MIT Visualization Group creating text-based interfaces for non-visual data exploration helps these users conduct self-guided data exploration and participate more fully in conversations about data with sighted collaborators.

“Receiving this recognition affirms that prioritizing the experiences of marginalized users in the design of new technology can both advance equity and also contribute to scientific conversations in human-computer interaction.”