Open Access White Paper: “Six Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Grand Challenges”

Open Access White Paper sponsored by HCI International: “Six Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Grand Challenges”

A remarkable team of 26 coauthors has worked for two years to produce an exceptionally broad and deep White Paper on "Six Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Grand Challenges" which appeared on January 2, 2023 in the prominent International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction. 

Ben Shneiderman initiated the process for this publication. Then the huge effort was led by Ozlem Garibay and Brent Winslow. HCI International sponsored the process during the HCII2021 and HCII2022 conferences in a series of open Special Thematic Sessions on 'Human-Centered AI', a follow-up ‘analysis and prioritization’ closed meeting and a dedicated "Human-Centered AI Priorities" Workshop, along with the Open Access publication of this article.

The six challenges are listed in the abstract (see below). This impressive analysis of the field of Human-Centered AI provides a solid foundation for the extensive list of research directions and comprehensive action recommendations for diverse stakeholders, including researchers, developers, business leaders, and policy makers. The technical aspects are supported by 300+ references and admirably linked to advocating human values and improving well-being. This substantive report could be the basis for a semester long university course or professional training workshop.

ABSTRACT: Widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is substantially affecting the human condition in ways that are not yet well understood. Negative unintended consequences abound including the perpetuation and exacerbation of societal inequalities and divisions via algorithmic decision making. We present six grand challenges for the scientific community to create AI technologies that are human-centered, that is, ethical, fair, and enhance the human condition. These grand challenges are the result of an international collaboration across academia, industry and government and represent the consensus views of a group of 26 experts in the field of human-centered artificial intelligence (HCAI). In essence, these challenges advocate for a human-centered approach to AI that (1) is centered in human wellbeing, (2) is designed responsibly, (3) respects privacy, (4) follows human-centered design principles, (5) is subject to appropriate governance and oversight, and (6) interacts with individuals while respecting human’s cognitive capacities. We hope that these challenges and their associated research directions serve as a call for action to conduct research and development in AI that serves as a force multiplier towards more fair, equitable and sustainable societies.