The role of theory in human-computer interaction (HCI) has been debated for decades. Some question whether theory can be useful in HCI; others see the field held back by a lack of rigorous theory engagement; yet others locate a main challenge in translating theory into design practice. Recently, these discussions have intensified in response to rapid technological innovation, the growing challenge of applying HCI principles to AI-based systems, and the need for robust yet appropriately bounded generalizations. There have also been wider calls for more, and more computationally formalized, theory, as well as concerns about a theory crisis in HCI.

This Dagstuhl Seminar aims to bring together researchers from diverse areas of HCI to examine how theories are presently constructed, applied, and evaluated, as well as viewpoints and exemplars for new and alternative ways of engaging theory. Participants will explore the use of different theories and forms of theory engagement in addressing selected HCI problems, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaborative mapping of theory issues across the field. The seminar aims to articulate shared vocabularies and framings for theory in HCI and to identify opportunities for integrative theoretical development that strengthen both the conceptual foundations and practical contributions of HCI research.

The seminar is structured around four themes. First, we will discuss experiences with using theories in HCI. The goal here is to analyze both successes and challenges in using theory to collaboratively develop an understanding of the factors shaping theory use. In addition, reflection on the experiences and challenges of using theory will potentially identify missed opportunities in using theory in HCI, and possible avenues for deeper theoretical engagement.

Second, we will discuss how to develop theory. This topic will require participants who take different approaches to articulating theories (e.g., causal models, formalization), hold different conceptions of the types of theory to develop (e.g., model-centric science), or follow different methods for developing theory (e.g., Dubin's theory-building approach).

Third, we will discuss how to do comparisons and triangulation across theories. The central point here is that HCI is interdisciplinary, covering theoretical concerns from millisecond movements of limbs to appropriation of technology over months and years. This raises questions about the overlap, complementarity, and relationships among theories.

Fourth, we will focus on how to make theory play a more useful role in HCI. Organizers of the seminar have discussed ways of doing this, for instance through generative theories or better methods for theorizing. We want to create a broader discussion of how we can advance work on theory use and development in HCI. This is about approaches, the role of formalization, the training of students, the bridging of approaches from the social and the technical sciences, the philosophy of science of theory, and much more. Most importantly, we aim to create an overview of plans for advancing theory in HCI.

Creative Commons BY 4.0

Kasper Hornbæk, Susanne Bødker, Sebastian Deterding, and Elena Leah Glassman