The Dutch Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) community has always been a vibrant hub for world-class research and innovation. Building on this legacy, the IPN SIG HCI Symposium 2026 took place on June 23rd, 2026, marking another significant milestone in bringing together researchers, students, and industry experts. In collaboration with CHI NL and with IPN SIG HCI, the full-day event offered an exciting glimpse into the future of interaction design and digital technology. The symposium was hosted by TU Delft and organised by Dr. Himanshu Verma and Dr. Ujwal Gadiraju.
IPN, the ICT Research Platform Nederland, approved in 2025 a new Special Interest Group (SIG) on HCI lead by Prof. Alessandro Bozzon (TU Delft), Prof. Pablo Cesar (CWI and TU Delft), and Prof. Judith Masthoff (University of Utrecht). IPN unites all Dutch academic research groups that have ICT science as their core and, as such, acts as a single point of contact for all matters relating to ICT innovation and its importance for our current and future society.
Here is a look back at some of the highlights and standout moments from this successful symposium!
Kicking off with Data Insights and Fostering New Talent
The event started bright and early with a welcoming address that set the tone for a day of collaboration and forward-thinking ideas.
Following the welcome, Laura Koesten delivered the first invited talk of the day. An inspiring voice in the HCI space, Laura’s talk dove deep into the complexities of data interaction. A major highlight was her focus on how we can make sense of vast, complex data systems through human-centered design, offering fresh perspectives on translating raw data into meaningful user experiences.
The morning then transitioned into a dynamic, interactive space with the poster session and project pitches. Students and researchers brought their early-stage ideas and received valuable feedback.
After a packed morning, attendees enjoyed a generous Lunch Break (12:00–13:30), allowing everyone to digest the morning’s insights, network, and prepare for an afternoon filled with phenomenal keynote speakers.
Afternoon Highlights: AI, Conversational Interfaces, and Improv Theatre
The afternoon session was dedicated entirely to invited talks from international leaders who are actively shaping the future of interaction design.
David Ayman Shamma took the stage to share his rich expertise on the intersection of media, artificial intelligence, and human interaction. His talk highlighted novel frameworks for creative AI, emphasizing how to design multimedia systems that empower human expression rather than simply automating it.
After a short break, Heloisa Candello brought her deep insights into interaction design and conversational interfaces. A standout moment from her presentation was her breakdown of how users experience emerging AI systems in practice, highlighting the vital role that empathetic, user-centric design plays when creating conversational agents.
Closing out the day, Piotr Mirowski delivered a fascinating groundbreaking talk in equal parts, blending robotics, AI, and HCI. He challenged the audience to rethink how we navigate and interact with intelligent agents, showcasing captivating examples of how AI can assist humans particularly in theatrical improv performances.
A Community Moving Forward
For over 40 years, research and practice in Human-Computer Interaction have shaped our digital society, and the Netherlands continues to play a prominent, long-standing role in this global effort. Over the last six years, CHI NL has found new cohesion and energy, and events like the IPN SIG HCI Symposium act as the perfect catalyst for international recognition.
A huge thank you to all the organizers, speakers, and attendees who made this symposium such an engaging and rewarding experience. We can’t wait to see how the feedback, pitches, and ideas shared in Delft will evolve into the breakthroughs of tomorrow!
Himanshu & Ujwal
