Designing the Human-Machine Symbiosis

Motivation

Our understanding of computers simply executing tasks is changing towards one where the human and machine enter a symbiosis: computers are increasingly extending human capacity by integrating with bodily senses, thanks to sensor and actuator advances as well as enhanced software developments. Wearables, augmented reality, exoskeletons and implantable devices are all emerging trends that mark the beginning of such a human-machine symbiosis. What is still missing, though, is a thorough understanding of how to design such symbiotic user experiences in a systematic way, as, despite the increase of associated systems entering the market, there is a lack of understanding of how such a human-machine symbiosis emerges and what theoretical frameworks underlie it. Open questions around this topic are concerned with whether such systems can enhance human empowerment, what role a sense of control plays in the associated user experiences, and how to responsibly design devices that all people can profit from. To begin answering such questions, this Dagstuhl Seminar invites experts from both industry and academia in order to bring together leaders from so far independent streams of investigation to work on a coherent approach to human-machine symbiosis that engages a holistic perspective while considering also societal and ethical issues.