MBZUAI held its inaugural Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Symposium in Abu Dhabi, focusing on the human and societal impacts of AI. The event, led by Professor Elizabeth Churchill, featured workshops and keynotes from figures like Google's Matias Duarte. Participants collaborated to address critical design aspects of human-AI interaction and co-author a book. Why it matters: The symposium highlights the increasing importance of human-centered design in AI development, ensuring AI tools are useful, desirable, and beneficial for society in the GCC region and beyond.
MBZUAI is hosting the third AI Quorum of the academic year, focusing on the future of human-computer interaction (HCI) in the age of AI. The event gathers researchers and practitioners from various disciplines and institutions, including University College London, Apple, and Google. The workshop aims to spur AI research and promote understanding of AI's potential for social good, with previous Quorums focusing on federated learning and statistics. Why it matters: This interdisciplinary focus on HCI at MBZUAI highlights the UAE's commitment to shaping the ethical and practical integration of AI into everyday life.
Elizabeth Churchill, chair and professor of human-computer interaction at MBZUAI, emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between people, technologies, and technical infrastructures, especially in the age of AI. Drawing inspiration from psychology, sociology, anthropology, and human factors, she believes HCI can help understand people's needs and how to design usable, useful, and delightful technologies. She focuses on augmenting human potential and experience through technology, while also addressing the motivations of those who misuse technology. Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI's focus on human-centered AI design and ethical considerations, aligning technology with human needs and societal well-being.
Elizabeth Churchill, formerly Senior Director of UX at Google, has joined MBZUAI as Department Chair of Human-Computer Interaction. Churchill will lead the establishment of MBZUAI's newest HCI department, after computer science and robotics. She recently received the ACM SIGCHI Lifetime Practice Award. Why it matters: The appointment of a renowned UX expert like Churchill signals MBZUAI's commitment to integrating human-centered design principles into its AI research and education, potentially fostering more user-friendly and impactful AI applications in the region.
This article discusses a talk on "Assistive Augmentation," designing human-computer interfaces to augment human abilities. Examples include 'AiSee' for blind users, 'Prospero' for memory training, and 'MuSS-Bits' for deaf users to feel music. Suranga Nanayakkara from the National University of Singapore will present the talk, highlighting insights from psychology, human-centered machine learning, and design thinking. Why it matters: Such assistive technologies can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and extend human capabilities.
MBZUAI has opened applications for its inaugural Ph.D. cohort in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), set to begin in Fall 2026. The interdisciplinary program will focus on human-AI alignment, multimodal interfaces, and brain-computer interfaces, aiming to design AI systems that improve lives responsibly. Applications for the Master of Science in HCI (fall 2027 intake) will open in 2026. Why it matters: This program expands MBZUAI’s focus on human-centered AI design, aligning with the UAE’s vision for an innovation-led economy.
Eyal Ofek of Microsoft Research is researching how to augment users' senses and use scene understanding to create more inclusive workspaces, especially for remote work. His work involves designing applications flexible to changing environments and personalized to each user. Ofek's background includes computer vision, augmented reality, and leading research groups at Microsoft. Why it matters: This research aims to improve remote collaboration and adapt technology to individual user needs, which could enhance productivity and inclusivity in the evolving work landscape of the GCC region.
This article discusses a talk by Houda Elmimouni on designing technology with user values in mind, using privacy and robotic telepresence research as examples. The first study examines privacy practices, while the second focuses on values in robotic telepresence in classrooms. Elmimouni highlights the importance of aligning technology design with social values like privacy. Why it matters: The emphasis on user-centered design and social values provides insights applicable to AI development in the Middle East, where cultural context and ethical considerations are paramount.