UCLIC Seminar, 24 April 2024. Kasper Hornbæk.

Seminar Title: The Troubles with Theory in Human-Computer Interaction Research

Speaker: Kasper Hornbæk (University of Copenhagen)
Date: Wednesday 24 April 2024, 15:00-16:00

Abstract: Theory is supposed to be central to science and scholarship. In this talk, however, I will argue that its role in human-computer interaction (HCI) is underwhelming. I will also discuss reasons why we do not use theory and why I think they are wrong. On a more positive note, I will outline some ways in which theory can be used, developed and tested in HCI.

Bio: Kasper Hornbæk received his MSc and PhD in Computer Science from the University of Copenhagen in 1998 and 2002, respectively. He has been Professor of Computer Science at the University of Copenhagen since 2014. His research interests include user experience, extended reality, theory building and haptic technology. He is an co-editor of ACM Transactions on Human-Computer Interaction and has served as an associate chair of the ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing, CHI for more than 10 years. He was inducted into the CHI Academy in 2020. More about Kasper Hornbæk: https://www.kasperhornbaek.dk/