30
2024
DIS 2024 at Copenhagen — We’re in the future, and we’re designing a better future by Yuhao Sun
The DIS 2024 opening keynote was hosted at DR Koncerthuset. (Source: Yuhao Sun)
I attended the ACM Conference on Designing Interactive Systems (DIS) 2024 at the IT University of Copenhagen, Denmark, from 1st to 5th July 2024. “Why design?” — the theme of DIS 2024. I’ve encountered this question many times during my PhD. As a trained computer scientist with experience in healthcare technology, I now employ a HCI lens to address challenges in healthcare. One of the recurring questions in my research revolves around methodology. Why choose a specific method? How do I persuade my audience? Could there be more suitable methods considering the context?
Interdisciplinarity and Possibilities: Insights from DIS ’24 Doctoral Consortium
My research is rooted in understanding public perception of polygenic risk scores (PRS) — an emerging genetics-based health prediction service. This interdisciplinary work spans several disciplines: healthcare, design, computer science, ethics, and HCI. At DIS 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in the Doctoral Consortium, where I paired up with another student. We were tasked with presenting each other’s research, a challenging but enriching exercise. This experience pushed me to deeply engage with someone else’s work, especially stepping into their shoes to understand and convey their research perspectives. Particularly, trying to understand those “why?” It was a reminder of the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and the fresh insights it can bring. We often need to step out of our familiar circles to broaden our perspectives. It’s all about mindsets, isn’t it?
Presenting another’s work made me reflect on my own research methodologies and communication strategies. With the 10-minute presentation, we then had a 5-minute ‘panel’ discussion with another paired student. Although the paper I presented was not mine, the research topic was similar (health and design), allowing me to find resonances that sparked new thoughts. This similarity in background facilitated a deeper engagement and led me to pose more insightful and nuanced questions. It also made me realise the importance of clarity and adaptability in conveying complex ideas across disciplines. This unique experience was a reminder of the necessity of empathy and open-mindedness in academic collaboration, qualities that are crucial in navigating the intersections of technology, ethics, and healthcare.
The cohort of doctoral consortium at DIS 2024. (Source: ACM_DIS Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/C87OLlMRNxT)
Positionality and Critique at DIS: Designer, HCI Researcher, and More
DIS is a vibrant community. I’ve often struggled to define my role, typically introducing myself as an “HCI and Healthcare” researcher. However, conversations with attendees at DIS prompted me to reconsider my positionality and its influence on my research. Frequently, I’m asked about my views on polygenic risk scores (the technology and service I focus on my PhD) and whether I would use them. I usually remain neutral to avoid biasing participants, though this neutrality can sometimes feel ‘disingenuous.’
During the workshop “Designing for and with the ‘Digital Citizen’,” I had a chance to have a deep engagement with a diverse group of attendees, including designers, ethicists, computer scientists, and industry / governmental professionals. One of the takeaways for me was that maintaining neutrality might be challenging or even impossible, as every researcher brings their own perspectives and biases. The key question then becomes: how can researchers channel these biases constructively to enrich their research?
The IT University of Copenhagen, with its beautiful building and inviting ground floor, provided a pleasant setting for refreshments and social breaks. Here, I had the opportunity to engage in discussions with a wide range of DIS attendees, including faculty, students, and industry professionals. With all discussions, I valued interdisciplinary perspectives, as feedback from the diverse group helped me to consider the broader societal impacts of my work beyond its technical dimensions. For instance, while designers often emphasise user-friendly interfaces, ethicists stress the importance of transparent data practices and informed consent. These varied viewpoints are essential for crafting holistic and ethically sound digital health solutions, ensuring that technology serves the public’s best interests in a responsible and inclusive manner.
Healthcare and Precision Medicine at DIS ‘24
Precision Medicine is revolutionising healthcare by shifting from a ‘one-drug-fits-all’ approach to more personalised treatment options. Out of interests and background, at DIS ‘24, I primarily attended sessions focused on healthcare topics like “un/health and data at stake” and “multisensory healthcare transitions.” One interesting observation was that they were not fully attended (in fact, less than half of seats in the hall were occupied). It made me think if there was a potential disconnect in engaging healthcare professionals and researchers with HCI and design dialogues?
Healthcare within the HCI field is still in its infancy, and one of the significant challenges lies in validating the effectiveness of HCI and design methods within healthcare research. We – the DIS and wider HCI communities – love and embrace ‘tensions’ most of time. This interdisciplinary tension, however, isn’t always well-received, which adds another layer of complexity. Engaging medical stakeholders with HCI and design principles is essential, but demonstrating the tangible benefits of these interdisciplinary approaches remains a formidable challenge.
Another critical question is how to involve the broader public in precision medicine. While health concerns are universal, the concept of “medicine” can often seem remote and inaccessible to many people. Complex scientific theories and jargon can further alienate the public. At DIS ‘24, “self-awareness” emerged as a central theme in healthcare papers. It seems that individuals now ‘have to’ take a (predominant) proactive role in managing their health – have they always been doing that? Do they want to do that still? Will this burden them psychologically? I think this is where HCI and design can make a significant impact, helping to demystify technology and bridge the gap between complex medical concepts and public understanding in a long-term run.
Preparing for DIS ‘24: A Challenging but Rewarding Journey
Attending DIS was a valuable opportunity. Preparing my DC paper from January, revising it with John, and securing travel funding and a Schengen visa made the journey challenging but worthwhile. It was my first international academic conference, and the experience taught me to value such opportunities. The process prepared me for future paper submissions, particularly, reducing the fear of rejection and encouraging thoughtful planning.
A photo I took when I was leaving the DIS and the ITU building. (Source: Yuhao Sun)
—
Q: How did you like Copenhagen?
A: Copenhagen has a relaxed vibe. I enjoyed walking through its streets – though I did not have a lot of time walking around the city due to the conference schedule. The Design Museum was particularly thought-provoking, and with a deep dive into the provocations of design. It’s a place I’d like to revisit.
Q: Did you have collaborators or support during this process of preparation to DIS ‘24?
A: I was never alone in this journey. I owe thanks to my supervisors, Prof John Vines and Prof Albert Tenesa, as well as the Genetics Society and the Birrell-Gray Traveling Scholarship from the University of Edinburgh for their support.
Q: How do you feel about engaging with the design community without a design background?
A: Engaging with the design community, despite not having a formal design background, is a journey of mutual learning and contribution. I’ve realised that while we, as human beings, often seek comfort in familiar settings, true growth happens when we embrace diverse perspectives. The saying “Everyone is an alien somewhere” reminds me that in various contexts, we all have something unique to offer. My goal is to learn from the design community and bring my insights from healthcare and HCI to enrich our collective understanding. It’s about being open to new ideas and finding ways to contribute meaningfully.
Q: Was there something you expected but didn’t see at DIS ‘24?
A: Since this was my first DIS, I didn’t have specific expectations, but I did notice a focus on application papers. I would have liked to see more methodological papers, especially at the intersection of HCI, design, and healthcare. I believe it might introduce more healthcare research and projects into HCI and design fields.
Q: Do you have your next conference in mind?
A: I hope to present my work at CHI ‘25 in Yokohama. Writing the DC paper for DIS helped clarify my research, and I look forward to contributing to the wider HCI community. I do want to come back to DIS community next year, so I’m also excited about DIS 2025 in Portugal!
Design for Debate: Exploring Public Perceptions of an Emerging Genetics Health Prediction Service ‘Polygenic Risk Score’ Through Design Methods — ACM Digital Library