Speaker: Dr Christopher R. Roast, Sheffield Hallam University
Abstract: How humans interact with large scale data has many complex facets. Employing classical HCI concepts to understand interaction with large scale data, is a method of clearly examining that interaction. It provides a foundation for revealing the nature of the risks involved with the adoption of AI-based tools. By considering the opportunities offered by AI, the analysis focuses upon the user need to understand and trust the tools available. Reflections arising from this analysis include questions about human facing support rigour of process and integrity of results. We consider the specific features of some tools and suggest that usage support is of key importance. Specifically, workflow management and support become a design focus for interacting with large scale data resources. While intelligence systems intend to be just that, intelligent, their value comes from enabling transparency and empowering users in the activity of using them. These observations are relevant to not only the data and information accessed by tool users but also the broader context of the demand for data that determines role of specific users’ work.
Bio: Dr Chris Roast has worked for over 30 years examining human factors linked with systems that empower end users. This has ranged from the analysis of the effective use of programming languages, a wide variety of systems and tools including: assistive technology; digital archives; library support systems; highly configurable tools. His work is frequently multi-disciplinary, benefiting from working with industry and across sectors and academic disciplines. He is a champion of knowledge exchange as a means of creating and articulating academic expertise and its real world relevance.