Keynotes

The Theory Crisis in Human-Computer Interaction

Abstract: Theory is supposed to be invaluable in HCI research. However, the actual role of theory remains underwhelming, to the extent that I argue there is a crisis of theory in HCI. In this talk, I will first present data suggesting that HCI researchers rarely build theory, actively use it in papers, or raise implications for it. I will then discuss how to resolve the tension between the perceived importance of theory and its actual role. Ways to improve the use and construction of theory will be discussed, as well as some tools for thinking about theory that might help HCI researchers.

Bio: Kasper Hornbæk received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Copenhagen in 1998 and 2002, respectively. He has been Professor of Computer Science at the University of Copenhagen since 2014. His research interests include user experience, extended reality, theory building and haptic technology. He is an co-editor of ACM Transactions on Human-Computer Interaction and has served as an associate chair of the ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing, CHI for more than 10 years. He was inducted into the CHI Academy in 2020.

The keynote will be held in English.

Heavy Metal auf KI

Abstract: Gleise, Weichen, Radsätze: Die Deutsche Bahn ist Heavy Metal! Und damit ist sie ein riesiges Anwendungsgebiet für Künstliche Intelligenz. Warum Digitalisierung – insbesondere KI – nicht nur die Hardware der Bahn betrifft, sondern auch Auswirkungen auf die Arbeitsweise und die Mitarbeitenden hat, zeigt Nicole Göbel, Vorsitzende der Geschäftsführung der DB Systel, in ihrer Keynote. Sie gibt Einblicke, wie die DB Systel, Wegbereiterin für die digitale Zukunft der Bahn, das Heavy Metal der DB digitalisiert – und die Bahn damit noch nachhaltiger macht.

Bio: Nicole Göbel ist studierte Touristikbetriebswirtin mit Schwerpunkten IT und Marketing. Ihre Karriere begann sie bei Bertelsmann, wo sie Führungsaufgaben in Call- und Fulfillment-Centern übernahm und unter anderem IT-Projekte leitete.
2001 wechselte sie zur Unternehmens- und Strategieberatung Accenture und war für verschiedene Projekte der Deutschen Bahn zuständig. Zudem unterstützte Nicole Göbel weitere Größen aus der Transport-, Reise- und Logistikbranche bei komplexen digitalen Transformationsprozessen.
2009 übernahm sie bei Accenture die Gesamtverantwortung für den Kunden Deutsche Bahn und verschiedene Managementfunktionen, zuletzt ab 2019 als European Rail and Public Transport Lead.
Ehrenamtlich ist Nicole Göbel im Präsidium des Travel Industry Clubs aktiv, in dem sich Vordenker:innen der Tourismusbranche vernetzen.
Nicole Göbel ist seit dem 1. Februar 2022 Vorsitzende der Geschäftsführung bei DB Systel.

Die Keynote wird in deutsch gehalten.

Unveiling the Invisible: Navigating the Mental Labor of Academia in a Hybrid World

Abstract: In the evolving landscape of hybrid work, the academic world faces unique challenges that often go unseen. As society grapples with complex global issues, we need academics more than ever to help find solutions. However, academia suffers from levels of stress and burnout similar to those in high-stress professions such as medicine. Academics are drowning in a sea of work, leaving little time for the deep thought necessary to tackle big problems. This pressure is driven by increased expectations and demands in research and education, exacerbated by digital communications and an always-on culture, and further intensified by the shift to hybrid work. We need university leaders to initiate systemic changes, but organizational change takes time and we need help now. In this talk, Anna Cox will delve into the concept of “mental labor,” highlighting the hidden tasks that academics perform daily to manage their professional and personal lives. She will explore how digital technology can support academics in getting their work done more efficiently, helping to alleviate stress and enhance productivity and wellbeing.

Bio: Anna Cox is Professor of Human-Computer Interaction and Vice Dean (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) at University College London. Her research on the use of digital technology across work and personal life-spheres has revealed the influence of design on the productivity and work-life balance challenges experienced across a variety of settings including healthcare, finance, academia, and crowdwork. She has also explored digital leisure activities such as watching videos, playing videogames, and engaging in citizen science projects and their role in supporting work-stress recovery. As a result of her expertise in immersive and addictive technologies, she was appointed as Specialist Advisor to the UK Parliament Department of Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry in 2019. She has been an active participant in the ACM SIGCHI community. She has played a significant role in the early years of two important conference series. She was General Chair of CHIPLAY 2015 and 2016 and a member of the CHIPLAY steering committee (2014-2021). More recently she served as Technical Program Chair for CHIWORK 2022 and General Chair of CHIWORK 2023 and is an inaugural member of the CHIWORK steering committee. She has also played an important role in supporting the CHI conference series: she was Technical Program Chair of CHI 2018 and 2019 and has been a member of the CHI Steering committee since 2017.

The keynote will be held in English.