Several decades ago, the natural interaction paradigm revolutionized how we interact with computers. Today, it is the dominant paradigm, enabling users to engage with digital devices, personal assistants, and smart environments through gestures, voice, and eye gaze. However, emerging application areas, such as extended reality and devices designed to augment the human body, have introduced novel forms of interaction that no longer align with the principles of natural design, which demands a reconsideration of what "natural" still means. Furthermore, advances in AI and its integration into physical computing create the need for a reevaluation of our relationship with AI-driven digital objects and environments. In the context of natural interaction, new modalities are emerging, driven solely by AI. This talk will address the challenges of natural interaction design by exploring interactive systems spanning from wearables that challenge user agency to smart environments featuring invisible layers of digital content.
Short bio of Prof. Radu-Daniel Vatavu