HCI Ideas

Carving out a Research Niche with Chris Harrison and Scott Hudson

We talk with Professor Chris Harrison (director of the Future Interfaces Group) and Professor Scott Hudson (his PhD advisor!) about the evolution of HCI, from its very roots to the dizzying array of fields it touches on today. We discuss the value of research, their personal paths with research, and the variety of work they do today, from novel sensing technologies to computational fabrication. 
 
Links:
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/1622176.1622199 (joint paper for precise + unpowered input on small devices)
https://chrisharrison.net/projects/wallplusplus/wallplusplus.pdf (joint paper exploring interactive wall technology)
 
Chris Harrison’s Work:
https://www.chrisharrison.net/ - his website
https://chrisharrison.net/projects/wallplusplus/wallplusplus.pdf (skinput - skin based touch sensors)
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/2807442.2807480 (wearable device to detect hand gestures)
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3351229 (Edusense - smart classroom to provide instructor feedback)
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3586183.3606771 (fluid reality - tetherless haptic gloves)
Scott Hudson’s Work:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40593-020-00194-3 (Mixed-reality AI system to support education)
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3563657.3595983 (sustainable 3D printing material from coffee grounds)
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/344949.344959 (2000 paper exploring the future of interface tools)
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/642611.642657 (predicting interruptibility with sensors)

Creating Accessible Data Visualizations with Dominik Moritz

In this episode, we talk with Professor Dominik Moritz (co-lead of CMU’s Data Interaction Group) about his work in data visualization and his efforts to make it more accessible for everyone, from the visually impaired to those who aren’t data science experts. We explore the motivation and functionality behind several libraries he has developed, and discuss his unique perspective on careers in both industry and academia.
Links:
Dominik’s Website: https://www.domoritz.de/
Research Papers:
https://idl.cs.washington.edu/files/2017-VegaLite-InfoVis.pdf (Vega-Lite - a high-level grammar for interactive data visualization)
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8440847 (Draco - a system to automate data visualization)
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10297587 (Mosaic - a framework for scalable data visualizations)
https://www.frank.computer/chartability/ (Chartability - a tool to measure accessibility of data visualizations)
Links to Libraries:
https://vega.github.io/vega/ 
https://vega.github.io/vega-lite/
https://altair-viz.github.io/
https://dig.cmu.edu/draco2/intro.html 
https://idl.uw.edu/mosaic/

Intelligent Tutoring Systems and Ed Tech with Ken Koedinger

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.htmlResearch 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)

Persuasive Game Designs and Communication Technologies with Geoff Kaufman

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/

Industry Insights with Laura Vinchesi

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/

HCIIdeas Trailer

AI in Social Welfare with Haiyi Zhu

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)

Startup Culture and Cybersecurity with Jason Hong

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)

Research through Design with Jodi Forlizzi and John Zimmerman

We talk with Professors Jodi Forlizzi and John Zimmerman, both of whom have been with the HCII since its early days. We discuss their field-defining work in expanding HCI to incorporate design research, as well as the need to focus on creating valuable solutions rather than just challenging ones, especially in terms of new tech like AI.
 
Links:
Design Research
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/1240624.1240704 (their foundational 2007 paper introducing research through design)
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405872616300661 (their 2017 paper introducing the framework of speed dating)
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3472307.3484664 (their work exploring designs for smart homes)
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/1978942.1979161 (the paper regarding virtual possessions)
 
Artificial Intelligence 
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3290605.3300468 (John Zimmerman's work on unremarkable AI)
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3313831.3376301 (John Zimmerman's work on designing human-AI interaction)
 
Human-Robot Interaction:
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3579466 (Jodi Forlizzi’s recent work exploring the role of robots in the hotel industry)
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/1349822.1349860 (Jodi Forlizzi’s work exploring the role of robots in hospitals)
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3385007 (an exploration of how robots might be used for emotional catharsis)
https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3322276.3322340 (their work exploring coembodiment and reembodiment in robots)