HFIG Talks...

In this episode of HFIG Talks, we are joined by Dr. Abigail Sellen, Distinguished Scientist and Lab Director at Microsoft, to explore the evolving relationship between humans and AI. With an accomplished career at the intersection of people and new technologies, Dr. Sellen shares her insights on: • Her journey from Psychology to Human Factors Engineering and human-AI interaction • Why classic Human Factors lessons remain relevant in today’s AI landscape • Foundational thinkers and papers that continue to influence her work • The role of Human Factors in designing responsible and effective AI systems • Emerging directions in human-AI interaction research • Advice for those interested in pursuing research in human-AI interaction Referenced in this episode: “The Rise of the AI Co-Pilot: Lessons for Design from Aviation and Beyond [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/publication/the-rise-of-the-ai-co-pilot-lessons-for-design-from-aviation-and-beyond/]” - Abigail Sellen & Eric Horvitz

In this episode of HFIG Talks, we sit down with Mario Iannuzzi, Lead UX Design Researcher at Thoughtworks and a University of Toronto alumnus, to explore the evolving landscape of Human Factors, UX research, and AI. With over a decade of experience across industries like finance, media, social technology, and consumer electronics, Mario shares valuable insights on: • Breaking into UX/HF research and the key skills needed for success • How UX/HF varies across industries and the challenges of designing for different domains • The growing role of AI in UX research, including its benefits and limitations • The future of UX/Human Factors and AI—where the field is heading • How students and new grads can prepare for careers in UX/HF research • Tips for staying engaged and continuously learning about emerging trends and technology Resources Mario recommends: Hard Fork podcast: https://www.nytimes.com/column/hard-fork [https://www.nytimes.com/column/hard-fork] Lenny’s Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/ [https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/] All opinions expressed are solely Mario's and do not express the views or opinions of his employer.

In this episode, we spoke with Professor Chignell, a Mechanical & Industrial Engineering faculty member at UofT since 1990. With over 40 years of experience in Industrial engineering, Professor Chignell speaks on his extensive educational background and how that brought him to human factors. He also goes in-depth talking about his start in Human-AI interaction research, his main concerns regarding Human-AI interaction, the role of human factors in addressing these issues, areas where Human-AI interaction are either progressing quickly or slow-going, and areas of special interest for him. Professor Chignell leaves off by sharing some valuable pieces of wisdom with listeners interested in pursuing research in Human-AI interaction.

In this episode, we spoke with Dr. Endsley, the President of SA Technologies with a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering specializing in Human Factors from the University of Southern California and both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Industrial Engineering from Texas Tech University and Purdue University respectively. Dr. Endsley speaks on her educational background and career path thus far, projects she’s worked on, the importance of situational awareness (SA) in human factors design, challenges she faced while founding SA Technologies, her experience being the first female Chief Scientist of the U.S. Air Force, and more. Finally, she finishes by encouraging students to “find interesting problems around you and look for solutions”.

In this episode, we spoke with Dr. Green, a research professor at the University of Michigan who also teaches industrial engineering, this semester at the School of Information. With over 40 years of experience as a professor, Dr. Green speaks on his educational background, how his work in a naval shipyard led him to human factors research, and his career in academia. Dr. Green also discusses the many applications human factors have and the importance of studying human factors, and he gives valuable advice for students looking to pursue academia or research. Dr. Green finishes off by talking about receiving the Arnold M. Small and Betty M. Sanders President's Distinguished Service Award and offers very inspiring takeaways for students listening.