What if the “I” in HCI stands for Integration?

I explore the future of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) by rethinking the “I” in HCI as standing for “Integration” rather than “Interaction.” Analyzing the evolution of computing interfaces, from desktop computers to wearables, reveals a trend toward miniaturization and closer integration with the human body. I posit a new generation of devices that integrate AI-interfaces with brain or muscle stimulation to provide cognitive or physical assistance in a way that does not feel disempowering, since the user's body is deeply integrated. This provides a shift towards integrated interfaces that directly assist users' bodies rather than replacing them with external robots. This challenges us to envision a new type of AI interfaces that integrate with humans, enabling new physical modes of reasoning and self-expression. To this end, I argue the main challenges are (1) preserving the user's sense of agency (e.g., keep users in control); (2) avoiding device-dependency (e.g., devices that teach rather than automate); and (3) mapping its societal implications.

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Publication Details

Published
2025-09-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1145/3746058.3762829
Primary Topic
Agriculture, Water, and Health
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

What if the “I” in HCI stands for Integration?

Agriculture, Water, and Health
article

What if the “I” in HCI stands for Integration?

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Abstract

I explore the future of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) by rethinking the “I” in HCI as standing for “Integration” rather than “Interaction.” Analyzing the evolution of computing interfaces, from desktop computers to wearables, reveals a trend toward miniaturization and closer integration with the human body. I posit a new generation of devices that integrate AI-interfaces with brain or muscle stimulation to provide cognitive or physical assistance in a way that does not feel disempowering, since the user's body is deeply integrated. This provides a shift towards integrated interfaces that directly assist users' bodies rather than replacing them with external robots. This challenges us to envision a new type of AI interfaces that integrate with humans, enabling new physical modes of reasoning and self-expression. To this end, I argue the main challenges are (1) preserving the user's sense of agency (e.g., keep users in control); (2) avoiding device-dependency (e.g., devices that teach rather than automate); and (3) mapping its societal implications.

University of Chicago (US)
National Science Foundation
Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 48%
Agriculture, Water, and Health
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