Collective Human-Information Interactive (CHI2)
University of Bath: Peter Johnson
University of Bristol: Alex Bentley
Cardiff University: Alun Preece (PI)
University of Exeter: Roger Maull
Background
Recently, collective computing became a reality. Advances in human-computer interaction, intelligent information processing, data analytics, information and knowledge sharing, autonomous agents and digital media have led to new possibilities for how people and machines can live and work collectively – making best cumulative use of each other’s strengths and ameliorating each other’s weaknesses. Increasingly, human-information interaction occurs in situ and in multiple contexts, subject to cognitive constraints and decision-making requirements that change dynamically. Decisions taken in mobile situations are ever more complex, and not merely to solve immediate problems. Decisions taken often inform subsequent human behaviour and impact wellbeing (e.g. goal satisfaction, emotional state, social relationships, experiences, accountability, and social justice).
Collective Human-Information Interaction (CHI2) touches all areas where challenging problems exist, particularly problems requiring multidisciplinary solutions, where rich and diverse data sources can unlock new insights, and where societal engagement is key to effecting change. Examples of such challenge areas include: secure societies; inclusive, innovative and reflective societies; and social justice and inequality. Opportunities exist to produce ground-breaking research outputs with significant potential for impact.
Project Summary
The community held four workshops (one in each GW4 institution). The first two focused on identifying the fundamental scientific challenges in CHI2 and mapping GW4 expertise. The final two focused on specific challenge areas to identify opportunities for collaboration across GW4 and external stakeholders. These workshops enabled the creation of a multi-disciplinary community of nearly 50 researchers, providing critical mass for synergistic new research. The community engaged with external partners, for example the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and developed these strategic partnerships to strengthen funding applications.
