MediaFutures Seminar: Heads-up Computing: Towards the next interaction paradigm with Shengdong Zhao, an Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore

Shengdong Zhao, Associate Professor at the National University of Signapore, will give a seminar on 8 December.

TITLE: Heads-up Computing: Towards the next interaction paradigm  

WHEN: 8 December, 11:00-12:00

WHERE: MediaFutures & Zoom:

https://uib.zoom.us/j/66175341824?pwd=VU91bGJ2clovczNZY3lPTVpjT2JTZz09

Meeting ID: 661 7534 1824
Password: N4fMaE7q

ABSTRACT:

Interaction paradigms (the style of interaction between humans and computers) can significantly change the way we work and live. However, as much as we are empowered by interaction paradigms, we are also significantly constrained by them. Existing interaction paradigms limits our movements and activities, which can negatively affect our overall well-being. Desktop computing, described as “sitting at a desk, interpreting and manipulating symbols”, isolates human beings from interacting with other human beings and nature. Mobile computing, although free us from the office environment, demands constant eye-and-hand engagement, leading to the notorious phenomenon called “smartphone zombies”. We need a new style of interaction that can better support human activities in nature and with other people as well as reducing cognitive load by blending reactive operations with appropriately designed proactive initiatives that can offer just-in-time assistance. By carefully redesigning and integrating some of the latest technologies, including wearable computing, sensors, voice-based multimodal I/O, data analysis and prediction, and distributed networking, etc, the new Heads-up Computing interaction paradigm can be designed to work seamlessly with our everyday movements and activities. It allows humans to interact with information while engaging in a variety of activities; therefore, facilitates a holistic lifestyle where essential human needs in work and life can be more seamlessly blended and fulfilled.

BIO:

Shengdong Zhao is an associate professor of the Computer Science Department at the National University of Singapore (NUS). I am also a member of the NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences & Engineering. My PhD degree is in computer science from the University of Toronto. My master degree is from School of Information Management & Systems, University of California, Berkeley. I also had a dual major in computer science and biology from the Linfield College, Oregon, USA. I founded the NUS-HCI Lab at the National University of Singapore in January 2009. I am passionate about developing new interface tools and applications that can simplify and enrich people’s lives (i.e., Draco, won best iPad App of the year in 2016). I publish regularly in top HCI conferences and journals (ToCHI, CHI, UbiComp, CSCW, UIST, IUI, etc.). I am interested in connecting academy results with the industry, and have served as a senior consultant with the Huawei Consumer Business Group. I frequently participate in program committees of top HCI conferences, and have worked as the paper co-chair for the ACM SIGCHI 2019 and 2020 conferences. In my leisure time, I love to read, run, and explore the beautiful nature.