HCI Ideas

Scott Hudson, a long-time professor at Carnegie Mellon and pioneer in computational textiles, joins Chris Harrison, director of the Future Interfaces Group, to delve into the evolution of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). They explore the journey from traditional interfaces to innovative research like shape-shifting pixels in haptics. The duo discusses the vital role mentorship plays in academic growth, the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the balance between specialization and a broad research approach in shaping the future of technology.

Dominik Moritz, co-lead of CMU's Data Interaction Group, discusses his mission to make data visualization accessible for everyone. He shares his insights on inclusive practices, including innovative techniques like sonification. The conversation also touches on the challenges of visualizing large datasets in web browsers and the importance of transparency in machine learning. Dominik reflects on the contrasts between academia and industry, encouraging listeners to consider various research paths, all while celebrating the future of human-computer interaction.

Listen to this episode for an illuminating conversation with Professor Ken Koedinger as we delve into his pioneering research on educational technologies and cognitive tutoring systems. We explore how his work contributes toward personalized learning experiences and uncover insights from his decades-long career in understanding human learning and improving educational outcomes through innovative AI-based approaches.   Links:  Ken’s Website: https://pact.cs.cmu.edu/koedinger.html Research Papers:  1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15327809jls0402_2 (A review of a decade’s work in Cognitive Tutors) 2. https://telearn.hal.science/hal-00197383/ (ITS in a real-world setting—High School) 3. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1551-6709.2012.01245.x (Establishes a new framework for learning—Knowledge-Learning-Instruction) 4. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10648-007-9049-0 (Assistance dilemma) 5. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/985692.985741 (Analysis of off-task behavior in classrooms) 6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780444818621501035 (Very informative chapter on what Intelligent Tutoring Systems encompass)

Today, we will explore Professor Geoff Kaufman’s groundbreaking research on persuasive game designs for prosocial outcomes and their potential to drive positive societal change. We’ll also dive into his work on increasing accessibility in communication technologies such as voice assistants or language learning tools to create more inclusive digital experiences for all users. Links:  eHeart Lab: https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~eheartlab/ Relevant papers:  - https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3613904.3642236 (Language Learning Tools for English-learning Immigrants) - https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/3613904.3642900 (Harm reduction in voice technologies) - https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/47211/9789048543939.pdf?sequence=1#page=74  (Embedded design principles for persuasive game design) - https://cyberpsychology.eu/article/view/4343 (More on embedded design in creating prosocial games) - https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3447535.3462512 (Tricking the Tik-Tok algorithm)   Extra:  - Gamesforchange: https://www.gamesforchange.org/ - Dumbwaystodie: https://www.dumbwaystodie.com/ - Gone Home: https://gonehome.com/

We speak with Laura Vinchesi, an assistant teaching professor with extensive industry experience, to share her unique perspective on bridging academia and professional practice. Learn how her time in the corporate world has shaped her approach to teaching at Carnegie Mellon University, offering students invaluable real-world insights and preparing them for success in their future careers.    To learn more, here is Professor Vinchesi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-vinchesi-549b015/

Join us as we chat with Professor Haiyi Zhu about the complex challenges of applying AI to social welfare domains like homelessness and child welfare. Discover why it's crucial to meaningfully involve stakeholders in the development of AI systems aimed at addressing these important societal issues.   Links:  Professor Zhu’s Personal Website, containing all of her papers: https://haiyizhu.com/ https://arxiv.org/pdf/2303.09743 (explores various stakeholder perspectives on AI usage in homelessness) https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/3491102.3501831 (how workers reduced racial disparity in child welfare screening processes) https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/3531146.3533177 (investingating alternatives to predictive models in child welfare) https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/3313831.3376783 (integrating community values in a ML algorithm used by Wikepedia) https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3357236.3395528 (how to navigate algorithmic trade-offs for designers)

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Jason Hong to discuss the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, the challenges of phishing and data security, and his inspiring journey as a startup founder. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the cutting edge of technology and digital safety. Links:  Professor Hong’s Homepage: https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~jasonh/ https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/1357054.1357219 (effectiveness of active vs. passive phishing warnings) https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/1242572.1242659 (how CANTINA detects phishing websites) https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/2370216.2370290 (using crowdsourcing to build a mental model of user expecation of app privacy) https://livehoods.org/ (not mentioned in the podcast, but likewise interesting urban computing study using social media to capture the movements of a city) https://socialcybersecurity.org/ (looks at social influence in creating positive interventions and outcomes)

Professors Jodi Forlizzi and John Zimmerman, pioneers in human-computer interaction, dive deep into innovative methods like research through design, differentiating it from traditional approaches. They discuss the ethical dimensions of human-robot interaction and the importance of integrating AI with user-centric design, emphasizing valuable solutions over mere functionality. Their insights into the emotional connections with technology reveal how design can significantly shape our digital identities and future interactions in an AI-driven world.