Digital Interactions Lab

The DILAB is a Human-Computer Interaction research group within the Informatics Institute at the University of Amsterdam.

Our research bridges the gap between the technology-oriented and market-led formulation of the smart agenda with a sociological and psychological understanding of what people need artificial intelligence to be, and how data science might enhance our societies.

VISION

There are broad societal issues around agency, trust, and ethics which must be considered in the context of how data is gathered and used. There is also increasing debate around the appropriate role for sensors, algorithms, etc. in our everyday lives. Fortunately, this is leading to a heightened awareness of the relative roles of artificial and human intelligence, with a focus on technologies that can augment human capacity rather than attempting to emulate it.

MISSION

The predominant research questions we try to answer are ‘How can we ensure that advances in artificial intelligence and data science lead to concomitant advances in human values, dignity, wellbeing, and flourishing? How can interactive digital technologies address the pressing societal challenges of today, and the ones of the future, in ways which lead to real impact?’

FOCUS

The focus is on ‘impact’. In an inherently multidisciplinary endeavour, the Digital Interactions Lab, as a Human-Computer Interaction Lab, is committed to connecting the realm of technology with reflections, concepts, and knowledge established in various domains of social science. It also connects with people and domain experts to ensure impact.

The Digital Interactions Lab was established in 2021 as the principal Human-Computer Interaction research centre at the University of Amsterdam by Prof. Judith Good (director) as well as Prof. Somaya Ben Allouch and Dr. Hamed Alavi (founding members).