Publication WP2
(Re-)Thinking Empathy’s Materiality in HCI
Sophia Ppali, Mireia Yurrita, Alice Vitali, Alok Debnath, Lucie Flek, Andrea Cuadra, Sven Mayer, Michal Lahav, Tiffanie Horne, Aneesha Singh, Giulia Barbareschi, Andrea Mauri, & Himanshu Verma
Abstract: The EmpathiCH workshop series has, over three iterations, unpacked how empathy is conceptualized, measured, and used in HCI, identifying both its potential benefits and notable pitfalls. Despite these discussions, the diverse roles of empathy in research and practice remain fragmented and under-theorized. This fourth iteration seeks to consolidate perspectives by situating empathy within a sociomaterial framework. We propose exploring three dimensions–technology, social practices, and context–that shape how empathy is conceptualized and applied. The workshop will combine an interactive, discussion-centric format enabling participants to share experiences, debate perspectives, and collaboratively analyze cases across these dimensions. Outcomes will contribute to co-developing a sociomaterial taxonomy for empathy in HCI, offering conceptual clarity and practical guidance for design. Participants will engage in critical dialogue, connect with peers, and contribute directly to shaping the future of empathy-centered approaches in HCI.
Publication AC1
AC2
AC3
AC4
AC5
WP1
WP2
WP3
WP4
Disability, Differences, and Diversity: Revisiting Inclusive Design and Access
Himanshu Verma, Giulia Barbareschi, Sophia Ppali, Kathrin Gerling, Maartje de Meulder, Judith Good, Jatinder Singh, Katta Spiel, Abdallah El Ali, Marios Constantinides, Maristella Matera, Monica Perusquía-Hernández, Hamed Alavi, Pablo Cesar, & Alessandro Bozzon
Abstract: Over 1.3 billion people worldwide live with long-term disabilities, yet many still face systemic exclusion despite advances in accessibility policy and technology. New regulations such as the EU Accessibility Act demand comprehensive transitions, but compliance risks becoming a superficial “checklist” exercise rather than fostering meaningful inclusion. For the HCI community, this moment calls for rethinking our approaches to participation, technology, ethics, and policy. In this meetup, we bring together researchers, practitioners, and advocates to revisit inclusive design through four themes: rethinking inclusive methodologies, disentangling technological challenges, unpacking ethical implications, and navigating policy opportunities. Through interactive mapping activities, participants will share practices, identify collaboration opportunities, and co-develop future directions. Our goal is to build cross-disciplinary connections and create actionable approaches that move beyond compliance toward holistic inclusion, ensuring that accessibility remains central to HCI research and practice.
KB National Library of the Netherlands
Stichting Accessibility
Visio
Envision
TKH AI Technology
KickstartAI
TU Delft
