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Human-Engaged Computing: the future of Human–Computer Interaction

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Abstract

Debates regarding the nature and role of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) have become increasingly common. This is because HCI lacks a clear philosophical foundation from which to derive a coherent vision and consistent aims and goals. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for ongoing discussion that can give more meaningful and pertinent direction to the future of HCI; we call the proposed approach Human-Engaged Computing (HEC). HEC is a focused yet adaptable philosophical approach which aims to establish “synergized interactions between engaged humans and engaging computers for high level wisdom which enhances our human survival probability and our full potential as humans”. In this paper, HEC is described through five perspectives—definition, components, principles, case studies and benefits. The paper concludes by suggesting future directions for HEC.

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Notes

  1. From an introductory speech at a session of the Acadèmie Française, December 24, 1896.

  2. International Workshop on Human-Engaged Computing. http://forum.chec.ren/. Last accessed on March 15, 2019.

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Acknowledgements

The initial work of this concept—HEC was done in the year 2013. Since then, many remarkable colleagues have given their valuable comments and support to this work and to our understanding of the relationship between humans and computers. They include Effie L-C Law, Ed H. Chi,Shengdong Zhao, Antti Oulasvirta, Huatong Sun, Jonathan Grudin, Umer Farooq, Torkil Clemmensen, Ann Light, Ying Leung, Hirohide Yamada, Peng Cheng, Kavous Salehzadeh Niksirat, Sayan Sarcar, Hirskyj-Douglas Ilyena, and all members in Ren Lab and the Center for Human-Engaged Computing at Kochi University of Technology. To all others who are not mentioned here, we express our heartfelt gratitude. To my dear friend and distinguished colleague Antti Oulasvirta, who provided the many valuable suggestions needed for high competence and his extraordinary contribution to this work. To my PhD student Chen Wang for redrawing some of the figures.

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  1. Center for Human-Engaged Computing, Kochi University of Technology, Kami, Japan

    Xiangshi Ren, Chaklam Silpasuwanchai & John Cahill

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  1. Xiangshi Ren
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Ren, X., Silpasuwanchai, C. & Cahill, J. Human-Engaged Computing: the future of Human–Computer Interaction. CCF Trans. Pervasive Comp. Interact. 1, 47–68 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42486-019-00007-0

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