Positive Technology Visions

Manifesto

The vision talks are about creating inspiration and exchanging ideas. The key point is to foster exchange and share inspiration in the intersection between technology, science and art. However, to not produce repetition/competition, the series adds a slightly different spiel with the focus on positive visions and interdisciplinary work grounded in research which could be industrial, arts-based or science-based. The series was inspired by the amazing seminars run by Uppsala on HCI.

Thus, white papers, early research ideas, societal impact work or positive provocations for a better tomorrow can be presented.

Where to find the Seminars?

Just look under Current Seminars to find the times and links to the live sessions!

Next Seminar: 14th of Oct

• Speaker: Mattias Rost (University of Gothenburg, SV)
• Topic: Reclaiming the Computer Through LLM-Mediated Computing
• Link: Zoom
• Bio: Mattias Rost is Associate Professor of Interaction Design at the University of Gothenburg. He researches everyday technology use through designing, building, and studying interactive systems. Lately, he has turned his attention to large language models and how they might transform the way we interact with computers. His article on LLM-mediated computing was recently the cover story of ACM Interactions.
• Abstract: Computers are amazingly capable, and I have always found them almost magical. Yet using them, they can be frustratingly narrow and restricted, reduced to apps, icons, and menus. For fifty years the desktop metaphor has shaped how we interact with computers, defining in advance what they can do. In this talk, I suggest that large language models open a chance to break free from this application-centered paradigm. By inferring intent and producing code on the fly, LLMs point toward a new way of using computers — one where possibilities emerge in interaction rather than being fixed beforehand. I call this LLM-mediated computing, and I will explore what it means for how we might reclaim the computer as a more open and powerful medium.

Format

The talks are 15min and then 20min for discussion. The talks are spaces out over the year to not create pressure and will ocure on each 2nd Tuesday in a month (except for the summer break).

Want to contribute or know more?

Interested in attending the seminar on zoom or have a topic to share / have an idea for whom to invite?

Just contact Swen via email or LinkedIn and let him know that we should put you on the list.