People of ACM European Chapters - Thiemo Wambsganss
July 11, 2024
What led you to pursue a career in Human-Computer Interaction?
As a student, I took a very interesting class called “Design Thinking.” The class took nine months, and we were working on a real industry-based customer challenge together with a corporate partner. I was fascinated by the strict human-centered problem-solving methodology and the innovative mindset. At the same time, as part of my industrial engineering major, I took different classes and projects on natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML). I soon realized how many technical solutions in the form of algorithms and models were available, only waiting to become utilized to solve human-centered problems. I was motivated by the idea of leveraging novel advantages from NLP or ML to impact the everyday lives of humans. Hence, during my early academic years as a PhD student, I not only focused on the design of intelligent tools but also on how these tools impact human behavior and perception. I was particularly motivated by the potential of these technologies to enhance educational experiences, which became a central theme in my research. By focusing on human-centered AI-based information systems, I aim to create adaptive tools that support humans in their daily tasks, such as personalized feedback mechanisms in learning environments. This journey has been driven by the vision of optimizing user experiences through intelligent, responsive systems that evolve with the users’ needs.
What makes Bern University’s HAIS lab unique among HCI labs?
The Human-Centered AI-based Systems Lab at Bern University is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach, combining advances in Information Systems, NLP, and HCI to study and develop AI-driven support systems. Our lab focuses on leveraging large language models and generative AI, such as GPT-4, to create adaptive user interfaces that go beyond static and rule-based interactions. Our lab especially focuses on enhancing educational scenarios through intelligent tools. For instance, we have developed systems that provide dynamic argumentation feedback, significantly improving students' persuasive writing skills. Additionally, our research spans ethical perspectives of AI, such as trust and bias in AI-augmented decision-making, ensuring that our systems are not only effective but also fair and trustworthy.
Will you tell us about us about some of the regular activities or upcoming plans for Swiss ACM SIGCHI Chapter?
As Chair of the Swiss ACM SIGCHI Chapter, I am excited about our ongoing and upcoming initiatives aimed at strengthening community engagement and fostering a collaborative environment for HCI professionals and researchers. One of our key activities includes organizing regular events such as a summer and a winter meeting that provide platforms for knowledge exchange and networking. We are also planning to establish a dedicated PhD chapter to support early-career researchers with mentorship, resources, and opportunities to present their work. Additionally, we aim to increase our outreach through virtual events and webinars to engage a broader audience, including those who may not be able to attend in person. These efforts are designed to build a robust community that encourages innovation, collaboration, and professional growth in the field of HCI in Switzerland.
What is one example of an emerging research area that will have a significant impact on your field in the coming years?
One emerging research area poised to significantly impact the field of HCI is the development and integration of large language models and generative AI into human-centered systems. These technologies are transforming how we interact with digital tools by enabling more natural, intuitive, and adaptive user interfaces. In the context of education, for example, the use of AI-driven conversational agents and intelligent writing assistants can provide personalized, real-time feedback to learners, enhancing their learning outcomes and engagement. Additionally, the ethical implications of these AI systems, such as trust, bias, and transparency, are critical areas of investigation that will shape their adoption and effectiveness. By focusing on these aspects, we aim to develop AI-based tools that are not only powerful and efficient but also ethical and user-centric. This research direction promises to redefine the boundaries of what intelligent systems can achieve, making significant contributions to both theoretical advancements and practical applications in HCI.
Thiemo Wambsganss is tenure-track Research Assistant Professor for Digital Technology Management and lead of the Human-Centered AI-based Systems (HAIS) Lab at Bern University of Applied Sciences in Bern, Switzerland.
His research lies in the general area of human-computer interaction (HCI) with influences from natural language processing and machine learning. He strives to understand how humans perceive, interact, and learn with intelligent tools.
Wambsganss is Chair of the Swiss ACM SIGCHI Chapter.