We propose an interactive Special Interest Group (SIG)-style format rather than a traditional mini-conference. The half-day session will be structured to maximize discussion, collaboration, and community building:
1. Introduction and Scene-Setting (5 minutes): Organizers will introduce the workshop’s theme and objectives, highlighting key questions at the convergence of HCI and AI. This opening will frame the opportunities and challenges of human–AI interaction in line with AVI 2026’s focus.
2: Participants’ short presentations (20-30 minutes). This segment will be dedicated to brief participant presentations to foster early community building. The workshop call for papers will invite participants to submit a short position paper. Prior to the workshop, participants will also be asked to introduce themselves by completing one slide in a shared slide deck. During this session, each participant will have a short time slot (max 5 minutes, depending on the participants’ number) to present themselves and share their position on the workshop theme. This introductory moment will enable everyone to get to know one another’s backgrounds, interests, and ongoing research.
3. Panel Perspectives (30–45 min): A panel of invited experts – drawing from both the AI and HCI communities (including the organizers and possibly one or two external thought leaders) – will share brief perspectives. Each panelist will offer insights (5–7 minutes each) on future directions for human-centric AI (e.g., a visionary example, a critical challenge, or lessons learned from their work). This panel will be conducted in a dialog format (moderated by one organizer) to compare joint perspectives from AI and HCI.
4. Open Discussion (15 min): Following the panel, we will open the floor for Q&A and comments from the audience. This plenary discussion will allow participants to react to panelists’ ideas and surface additional themes of interest.
5. Interactive Breakout Sessions (60 min): Participants will then split into small groups (4–6 people per group, mixed backgrounds) for focused brainstorming activities. Each group will be tasked with an interactive activity (guided by prompts provided by the organizers) such as identifying critical challenges in human–AI interaction, envisioning future scenarios, or co-designing principles for ethical AI interfaces. We will encourage use of flip charts or sticky notes to capture ideas. Organizers and panelists will circulate among groups to stimulate discussion.
6. Group Reports and Synthesis (30 min): Groups will reconvene, and each will briefly present their key findings or proposals. As a whole workshop, we will discuss common threads across groups and consolidate a set of guidelines, open questions, and “future horizons” research directions that emerged. Organizers will facilitate this synthesis, possibly writing a collective list of points visible to all (e.g., on a projected slide or board).
7. Closing and Next Steps (15 min): The workshop will conclude with a summary of insights and concrete next steps. We will discuss plans to maintain momentum after AVI – for example, drafting a white paper or report capturing the ideas generated, forming an online community (mailing list or forum) for interested participants, or proposing a follow-up meeting or special issue. Participants will be invited to stay connected and collaborate on the initiatives outlined.
Throughout the format, the emphasis is on dynamic, participant-driven interaction rather than passive paper presentations. Through panel discussion and hands-on group activities, we aim to create an engaging environment where every attendee can contribute to shaping future research and collaboration at the crossroads of HCI and AI.