Pre-CHI 2025 Programme

Pre-CHI Program Printable (1).pdf

Detailed Workshops Programme

3.23 - Designing for Neurodiversity in Academia: Addressing Challenges and Opportunities in Human-Computer Interaction | Alex Tcherdakoff, Grace Stangroome, Antonella Nonnis

Academia is primarily structured around neurotypical norms, posing significant challenges for neurodivergent academics, who often face additional barriers that hinder their success. This Special Interest Group (SIG) examines the experiences of neurodiverse researchers in Human-Computer Interaction and explores how HCI can contribute to more inclusive academic environments. By bringing together HCI researchers, neurodiverse academics, and allies, this SIG aims to develop strategies for a more neurodivergent-inclusive, affirming, and supportive academic landscape. Since enhanced well-being can boost productivity, addressing these challenges may unlock greater research output and contributions, particularly by harnessing the talent and creativity of neurodivergent individuals. We will focus on challenges faced across career stages and roles (from students to senior academics, research to teaching staff), and explore the role of technology in academia — assessing how it alleviates and exacerbates barriers. Additionally, we aim to critically examine how policies and governance within the HCI community impact neurodiversity inclusion.

https://sites.google.com/view/sigchi25neurodiversityacademia/home?authuser=0

3.30 - Soft Interfaces: Exploring the Future of Malleable, Material-Centric Devices | James Nash

Abstract: Soft Interfaces—which are composed wholly or partially of malleable materials and typically utilise material centric approaches—support interactions that are difficult or impossible to achieve with rigid, articulated systems. Their deformability enables users’ greater freedom in how they engage with them, opening novel interaction possibilities across a wide range of application domains.

This workshop invites participants to explore the field of soft interfaces—considering their unique properties, potential applications, and inherent limitations. We aim to identify key technical challenges and discuss future directions for research and development, drawing on insights from a range of disciplines.

Signup Link - https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Ij1-N6FOLUKwrY_MiUBrnskB6TH_HlNJnS4lhBV2Jy5UQ1BJWlhTU0YxQUFIS1pGWEMyQUFYVTdVMy4u

3.33 - Prototype 2 Production: Device Isotyping Challenges & Solutions - pro² network+ | Rory Clark

The pro² network+ are offering a hands-on workshop focussed on the areas of manufacturing, design and implementation that are often overlooked in low-volume device production, but can present the most significant challenges. Join us for a collaborative session where you can creatively explore elements of device design while learning the basics of ‘isotyping’, or the process of creating prototype copies known as ‘isotypes’ for testing and refinement purposes. Open to all, we welcome you to take part in this exploration of real-world challenges and solutions faced by producers of devices when transitioning from prototype to product.

https://prosquared.org/event/prototype-2-production-workshop/

L103 - Urban Foraging for Metaphors of Interdependence | Elaine Czech, Vanessa Hanschke

The term interdependence -- a state where two or more entities are in mutual dependence -- is a useful concept for various aspects of HCI, such as accessibility and sustainability. However, more work is needed to parse out how technologies can practically be designed to positively support interdependencies. With this workshop, we seek to synthesize our understanding of interdependence as a concept. Together, we will explore how metaphors can be used to design for interdependence. We will use the urban park setting as a source for inspiration and a place for co-creation of design metaphors for interdependent relations. By inviting participants to explore their relationships with nature and the interdependent systems in nature, we hope to build a basis for imagining technologies built for interdependent relationships.