Courses and Workshops

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1. Touch Before Tech Using Cube as Interfaces (ID 134)

Authors: SHIVI KAPIL*

Abstract: "Touch Before Tech" is a hands-on Human-Centered Design (HCD) workshop that invites participants to reimagine human–technology partnerships for communities with low digital confidence in India. Grounded in lived experiences of women farmers, frontline workers, and rural users, the session explores transhumanist ideas—like augmentation, enablement, and co-agency—from the margins. Through participatory tools and speculative design, we will examine how to build tech that supports rather than overwhelms, and imagine futures where care, context, and human dignity come first.

2. Systems Thinking for Social Impact: A Hands-On Workshop for Understanding Complex Social Challenges (ID 157)

Authors: Vishad Tomar*

Abstract: Social impact initiatives often fail by addressing symptoms rather than root causes. This interactive workshop introduces systems thinking for understanding complex social ecosystems. Participants develop skills to map interconnected systems, identify leverage points, and design interventions addressing underlying barriers.

   Objectives

1. Develop systems perspective for viewing social issues as interconnected networks

2. Learn visual mapping techniques for complex relationships

3. Design systemic solutions addressing root causes

4. Apply systems thinking to current work contexts

Workshop Structure

1. Opening: Iceberg Exercise (35 min) - Participants map social issues using events, patterns, structures, and mental models. Individual reflection progresses to group synthesis.

2. Main Activity: Systems Mapping (60 min) - Teams create visual maps of real scenarios using colored markers for actors, resources, barriers, and leverage points.

3. Interactive Elements (45 min) - Role-playing, feedback loop theater, and intervention prototyping make concepts tangible.

4. Reflection (20 min) - Personal action planning for applying systems thinking to ongoing projects.

3. Designing for Human Diversity: Accessibility as a Transhumanist Imperative (ID 202)

Authors: Manish Ahluwalia & Surojit Das

Abstract: This 1.5-hour workshop explores the intersection of accessibility and transhumanism in HCI. Participants will engage in collaborative design activities, case study discussions, and interactive sessions to explore how inclusive design can augment human potential. The workshop aims to generate new research directions and practical frameworks for embedding accessibility into mainstream HCI practice. 

 This paper repositions accessibility as a transformative force within Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), particularly in the Indian context, where over 26 million individuals live with disabilities. Rather than treating accessibility as a compliance requirement or a niche concern, we argue that it is a cornerstone of ethical, inclusive, and forward-looking design. 

  Grounded in the principles of Universal Design and aligned with national mandates such as the Accessible India Campaign and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, this paper explores how accessibility can be embedded into the core of HCI research and practice. Through a synthesis of global innovations, Indian case studies, and socio-technical analysis, we propose a framework for inclusive innovation"As we move forward towards an era where transhumanist technologies (neural implants, bionic enhancements, gene therapy) would reshape human potential, the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) must critically examine the idea of access and ability. This workshop will explore the migrating spectrum of bodies (from differently-abled, abled to superabled) and challenge the assumption that technological advancements of the human conditions automatically lead to greater inclusivity.

Through speculative superhero scenarios, sensory-limitation bodystorming and collaborative design activities, the workshop will examine the risk of moving towards a singular world view that ignores the social model of disability and treats differences as flaws to be corrected. Thus, we will encourage reimagining HCI through the lens of disability and witness how it’s a powerful source of innovation. 

The participants will co-create a future that fits people rather than making people fit to the future. "n that aligns with the transhumanist vision of augmenting human potential.

We advocate for a shift in perspective, one that sees disability not as a limitation to be overcome, but as a vital lens through which to design technologies that serve all of humanity. In doing so, we position accessibility as a driver of resilience, adaptability, and equity in the technological future. 

4. Is Super-able the New Able?  Rethinking Access and Inclusion in a Transhumanist Future (ID 203)

Authors: Rimjhim Agarwal*

Abstract: As we move forward towards an era where transhumanist technologies (neural implants, bionic enhancements, gene therapy) would reshape human potential, the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) must critically examine the idea of access and ability. This workshop will explore the migrating spectrum of bodies (from differently-abled, abled to super-abled) and challenge the assumption that technological advancements of the human conditions automatically lead to greater inclusivity.

 Through speculative superhero scenarios, sensory-limitation bodystorming and collaborative design activities, the workshop will  examine the risk of moving towards a singular world view that ignores the social model of disability and treats differences as flaws to be corrected. Thus, we will encourage reimagining HCI through the lens of disability and witness how it’s a powerful source of innovation. 

The participants will co-create a future that fits people rather than making people fit to the future. 

5. Designing Transhuman Classrooms: Speculative Co-Design with Generative AI, Robot and VR (ID 205)

Authors: Priyanka Sebastian*

Abstract: This half-day workshop explores the educational potential of transhumanist technologies in shaping future classrooms. By integrating Generative AI (GenAI), Furhat conversational robot, and virtual reality (Meta Quest 2), participants engage in hands-on, speculative, and participatory design activi-ties to co-create visions of transhuman classrooms.

  Through direct interaction with these emerging technologies and under-pinned by transhumanist theory, the workshop challenges conventional par-adigms of education. It encourages critical reflection on cognition, embodi-ment, identity, and the evolving human- technology relationship. Partici-pants will collaboratively envision futures where learning extends beyond traditional human capacities ethically, creatively, and inclusively. 

6. Let’s Design AI Agents for Enterprise Use Cases (ID 210)

Authors: Nikhil Welankar*; Aboli Maydeo

Abstract: Artificial Intelligence is a machine's ability to perform some of the human tasks based on datasets and algorithms. AI has been evolving for the last few decades, and it is becoming smarter day by day. Generative AI (commonly referred as GenAI) is a category of AI algorithms that can create original content. It uses deep learning, that is, a subset of Machine Learning, and it is proficient in learning from large datasets and providing suitable responses. The field of GenAI is transforming at an unprecedented rate, and many GenAI models are now multimodal, meaning that they can generate different data types such as images, text, speech and music and even software code. 

 The next paradigm in the field of AI is Agentic AI. The future of AI would include autonomous agents capable enough to make independent decisions and performing tasks on behalf of humans. Agentic AI refers to systems designed to operate autonomously, utilizing independent, dynamic decision-making to complete specific goals. You give the AI agents a goal, and they complete it. These agentic systems and tools are able to comprehend their surrounding environment, adapt easily to new situations, and interact with other agents or humans efficiently. The two largest differentiators of an agentic AI are one, its ability to operate autonomously with little human input, and two, its decision-making capabilities, which can mimic human actions.

 This workshop will enable participants to learn the basics of Agentic AI, understand some of the important enterprise use cases, and design human-centered AI agents for the selected sector and use case. We consider an AI Agent as a representative of the advanced technology that can enhance human capabilities and overcome limitations. This point of view aligns with the conference theme - transhumanism in HCI.

7. Designing for Self-Perception of Aging in Low-Resource Settings: Leveraging Reflection, AI, and Cultural Contexts in HCI (ID 211)

Authors: Neeta Khanuja*; Yogesh Meena; Valentina Nisi; Jodi Forlizzi (Carnegie Mellon University)

Abstract: Older adults’ experiences of aging in India are deeply shaped by cultural beliefs, spiritual practices, and socioeconomic realities. In many low-resource contexts, limited access to technology and infrastructure constrains the potential benefits of emerging tools such as AI. An individual’s beliefs and feelings about their own aging, i.e., their Self-Perception of Aging (SPA), play a significant  role in their well-being. However, SPA remains underexplored in the HCI design space, especially within culturally and spiritually rich but resource-constrained settings. This half-day workshop will convene researchers, designers, technologists, and practitioners to explore how SPA can be incorporated into HCI research and practice. We focus on two key dimensions: the influence of religion and spirituality on SPA and the accessibility of AI-driven tools for older adults in low-resource environments. Drawing on qualitative research with older adults in India and a prototype that blends illustrated reflection cards with an AI-supported conversational interface, participants will engage in collaborative, hands-on design activities. The workshop aims to generate culturally grounded and contextually relevant design strategies that integrate SPA, cultural values, and AI accessibility into aging-focused HCI. Outcomes will  include conceptual frameworks, design considerations, and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration in addressing aging, technology, and culture in LMICs.

Any queries regarding the Courses and Workshops should be directed to chairs - Sachin Patil <spsachin@gmail.com> or Sruti Raghavan <srutis@iitk.ac.in>