New perspectives for AI and quantum computing at CHI 2026
News
In April, senior researcher Dr Marije Kanis attended CHI 2026 in Barcelona, one of the largest international conferences in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Whilst many presentations and discussions at the conference centred on artificial intelligence, Kanis contributed perspectives from the rapidly developing field of quantum technology in two workshops. The central question was how designers, researchers and users can relate to technologies that are still very much under development but are likely to have a major impact on society.
Quantum as design materials
During the workshop Craft-Based Data Physicalization (opens in new window) Kanis explored, together with other participants, how abstract concepts from quantum computing can be translated into concrete representations. While data is often represented as a fixed state of zeros and ones, quantum technology raises questions about uncertainty, multiple possibilities at the same time, and changing circumstances.
These explorations led to new ways of thinking about data, including through physical objects and experimental visualisations.
Lessons from AI for quantum technology
In the workshop ‘AI CHAOS! – Challenges for Human Oversight of AI Systems’, Kanis explored which insights from current discussions on AI literacy, oversight and societal impact might be relevant to future quantum technologies.
Her contribution took the form of a dialogue with ChatGPT. Through a critical Q&A session, topics such as governance, human-technology interaction and the skills required in a future where both AI and quantum technology play an increasingly significant role were explored.
Research into technological futures
The workshops were linked to ongoing research within the Applied Quantum Computing research group and projects such as Divide & Quantum en Creative with Quantum (opens in new window). These studies focus not only on the technical possibilities of quantum technology, but also on the social, creative and design-related issues associated with it.
Would you like to read more?
Take a look at the publication Quantum Computing as Creative Material: Opportunities and Challenges for Crafting Physical Representations of Abstract Futures by Marije Kanis, Marten Teitsma and Julia Cramer.