From October 6 to October 10, the 16th Biannual Conference of the Italian SIGCHI Chapter (CHItaly) took place in Salerno. The event was sponsored by the Department of Computer Science of the University of Salerno.
This year’s theme was “Technologies and Methodologies of Human-Computer Interaction in the Third Millenium”, welcoming contributions from all areas of HCI, including: Emerging Technologies for HCI, Innovative Methodologies for HCI, Ethics and Sustainability in HCI Technologies, Social and Organizational Impacts of HCI, New Frontiers in HCI.
The conference received submissions from around the world and a new type of contribution has been introduced: Pictorials, where visual elements, such as diagrams, illustrations, annotated photographs, or collages, play a central role in conveying research ideas and insights. Along with 40 long and 34 short papers, they were distributed during the three days of the main conference (October 8-10), in parallel sessions. In addition, 11 workshops were held during the two days preceding the main conference. The conference also hosted 25 posters and 4 interactive experiences, showcasing a vibrant spectrum of ideas and applications emerging from the intersection of design, technology, and human values. Moreover, the Doctoral Consortium received 17 submissions, all accepted for presentation, fostering a dynamic and supportive space where early-career researchers could receive valuable feedback and broaden their professional connections.
Three distinguished keynote speakers offered inspiring perspectives on the current and future directions of Human–Computer Interaction:
- Nuno Jardim Nunes (Técnico – University of Lisbon; President and Founder, Interactive Technologies Institute): “The Role of Digital in the New European Bauhaus”
- Pablo Cesar (Leader of the Distributed and Interactive Systems Group at CWI and Professor at TU Delft): “Social Extended Reality: Achieving Presence and Togetherness through Immersive Realistic Experiences”
- Ann Blandford (Professor of Human–Computer Interaction, University College London): “Working at the Interface Between HCI and Health: Tales of Challenges and Triumphs”
Their talks inspired rich conversations on design, collaboration, and the social impact of digital technologies in contemporary life.
One of the main highlights of this edition was the Mediterranean CHI (MEDCHI) Panel, organized by the SIGCHI Mediterranean Committee. The discussion focused on interpreting Human–Computer Interaction from a Mediterranean perspective, considering how the region’s distinctive values, traditions, and cultural dynamics can inspire innovative approaches to design, technology, and interaction. The session also served as an important occasion to strengthen connections between the Italian SIGCHI community and the wider Mediterranean network, promoting cross-border collaboration and exchange.
CHItaly 2025 successfully reaffirmed its role as the main forum for the HCI community in Italy and a key meeting point for international collaboration.
See you at the next edition!
