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The 32nd Human Computer Interaction Conference will see British, Irish and international researchers and industry representatives gather in Belfast this July. Chaired by Ulster University, one of the main themes of the conference is human-data interaction, visual analytics and interactive data visualisation.

The HCI conference, in association with the British Computer Society, has been running for over 30 years, attracting international researchers and trailblazing new ideas in Human Computer Interaction (HCI).

Human Computer Interaction is an exciting and emerging research area with the growth of user experience (UX) design, natural and intelligent user interfaces, interactive Internet of Things, chatbots, virtual and augmented realities and affective computing.

Dr Raymond Bond, Chair of the Conference and Senior Lecturer in Data Analytics, Ulster University said:

“We are delighted to bring the Human Computer Interaction conference to Belfast. HCI and UX research is vital to many areas in society; combining computing, design and psychology to create technologies that are easy to use.”

“Ulster University continues to work at the forefront of computing and data analytics, pioneering advances across multiple domains including health and medical research, financial technology, international finance, advanced manufacturing and energy and, media.

“With the launch of our Cognitive Analytics Research Laboratory last year, the first data analytics institute in Northern Ireland, Ulster University cemented its reputation as a global leader in this field.”

A UX Industry Track has been organised as part of the conference with representatives from some of the world’s leading technology companies including Google, Spotify, IBM, BBC and BT sharing their expertise and best practices.

The conference will feature keynotes from world leading professors from University of Oxford, University College London, University of Sunderland and Ulster University.

Delegates will have the opportunity to participate in a masterclass in chatbot design and workshops in Human Centred Design for Intelligent Environments; Digital Health; Affective Computing; and Digital Technology for Older People.

Academics can submit a paper for peer review and doctoral students are encouraged to attend a Doctoral Consortium. This is an opportunity to receive feedback on their work, network with fellow HCI researchers and explore career opportunities in industry and academia across the UK.

Dr Gavin Sim, Chair British Computing Society Interaction Group said:

"The BCS Interaction Group is excited that Ulster University is hosting the 32nd British HCI Conference, in Belfast. The organising committee have done an exceptional job of promoting and bringing together academics and industry in what can be described as a very diverse and interesting programme. The Interaction Group feels that the conference this year will be a great opportunity for the UK and International HCI community to network, present their research and enjoy the delights of Northern Ireland.”

The 32nd Human Computer Interaction Conference (HCI) runs from 2-6 July 2018, Church House, Belfast City Centre.

The conference has been sponsored by Visit Belfast, Belfast City Council, Ulster University, Invest NI, HeartSine Technologies, Kainos, Public Health Agency Research & Development, C-TRIC, Oxford University Press, CoreSystems, Rapid7, MIDAS and Interaction Design Foundation.