ACM CHI Online Workshop Call

In computer science, reinforcement learning (RL) is the problem faced by an agent that must learn how to act in a sequential decision environment. Recently, reinforcement learning algorithms have emerged as a key technology for a range of purposes including modeling people and machine intelligence. However, if reinforcement learning is to have a meaningful impact in human-computer interaction then it is critical that these two threads are integrated. This is required for genuinely interactive RL-based systems which take into account user capacities and preferences. Interactive RL systems will need to model a user’s visual search, multitasking, decision making, emotions, social connectivity etc. They will also need to use these models to assist with personalisation, tutoring, medical diagnosis, and interaction design to name but 4 possible application domains.

The goals of this 1-day fully online workshop will be to build a community and form a research agenda for investigating reinforcement learning problems in human-computer interaction. Position papers of 2-3 pages are requested in ACM format (use publication - not review - format, 2 columns). PhD students, along with all levels of experience, are encouraged to apply. A key requirement for acceptance will be evidence of knowledge of RL and interest in HCI. Submissions should be sent to Andrew Howes (Andrew.Howes@Aalto.fi) before noon Pacific Standard Time, Friday February 26th 2021*. At least one author of each accepted position paper must attend the workshop and all participants must register for both the workshop and for at least one day of the ACM CHI 2021 conference. Note that a special remote attendance rate will be announced.

The position papers can be rough draft statements of forthcoming work - they do not need to be polished, publication ready papers. PhD students are especially encouraged to submit about their plans to work in the intersection between RL and HCI.

Accepted position papers are published at the website of the workshop, but not in the ACM digital library.

The workshop is held online on Saturday May 8, JST 22:00-02:00 (next day) / EST 09:00-13:00 / CEST 15:00-19:00.

*) Date was extended from the original Feb 19.

Contact

Andrew Howes, Aalto University.

Email: andrew.howes@aalto.fi