Introduction to the Technical Program

CHI '95 is a mosaic of creativity, and the breadth and diversity of the technical program illustrates that theme. It includes many different kinds of events, from presentations of technical papers to demonstrations to small group discussions. It covers every facet of the human-computer interaction field, from up-and-coming technology, to practical design and development methods, to social action (efforts by the human-computer interaction community to improve conditions for others). It includes presentations by many kinds of people, from users to academic researchers to commercial developers.

The success of this program depends on you, the conference participant. Every session offers opportunities for you to comment, question, share your experiences and insights, and participate. Outside the organized sessions, the hallways will be filled with people sharing your interest in human-computer interaction, but representing the range of perspectives that makes our field so exciting. They'll want to learn about your experiences and your ideas. The value of the conference for everyone will be enhanced if you grasp these opportunities.

We especially want to call your attention to just one of these opportunities. You can propose a Special Interest Group (SIG) to meet informally at the conference to discuss a topic of interest to you.

A new event at this year's conference is the Design Briefings program. In these sessions, you'll hear from designers and developers who will tell the stories behind their products, the key issues they faced in design, and the methods they used.

We always look forward to the CHI conference as a chance to see what's happening in the field, and also a chanceto renew old friendships and make new ones. We hope to see you in Denver!

Clayton Lewis and Peter Polson
CHI '95 Technical Program Co-Chairs

Design Briefings

These sessions present notable user interface designs, with special emphasis on conceptual issues embodied in the designs and on the design and evaluation methods used during their development.

Papers

Papers describe innovative and important work in the research and practice of human-computer interaction. Time is provided for participants to ask questions and offer comments. Presenters are usually available after the session for further discussion.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations enable conference participants to view systems in action, as well as discuss the systems with the people who created them. Informal Demonstrations are scheduled on-site at the conference and highlight late-breaking work.

Panels

Panels offer discussion, and often controversy, on emerging ideas and views in human-computer interaction. They are spontaneous and interactive. Speakers and audience members offer their diverse points of view on a specific issue.

Organization Overviews

Organization Overviews provide briefings on the work of leading organizations in the HCI community, including product develop- ment and research centers. The presentations cover both the content produced and the circumstances under which the work is performed.

Short Papers

Short Papers present the latest work, often still in progress. They provide an opportunity to explore and discuss late-breaking developments and emerging concepts.

Interactive Posters

Interactive Posters are visual presentations on display throughout the conference. Many people in the human-computer interaction community are doing work to help other communities of which they are members. The Social Action Posters illustrate this work.

Poster presenters will be available during the Highlight on Interactive Posters on Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 pm to discuss their work.

Videos

The Formal Video Program will run continuously in a designated video theater area. This year's video program features scenarios showing users interacting with systems in everyday situations. The programwill also be available for viewing in most of the conference hotels on an in-room television channel.

Additional Conference Activities

Other conference activities include Informal Videos, Informal Demonstrations, Interactive Experience, Exhibits, and Special Interest Groups (SIGs).

Keith Instone / instone@acm.org / 95-01-31