Entanglement HCI The Next Wave?

TLDR

Digital technologies such as virtual reality, AI, neuro‑implants, and cyber‑physical systems create ontological, epistemological, and ethical uncertainties that challenge existing HCI paradigms. This article argues that our intimate entanglement with digital technologies undermines the foundations of current HCI research and practice, and proposes Entanglement HCI as a response. The author reviews Actor‑Network Theory, Post‑Phenomenology, Object‑Oriented Ontology, and Agential Realism, and develops Entanglement HCI from four perspectives: performative human‑technology relationships, reframed knowledge generation, accountability and ethics, and design practices beyond user‑centred design.

Abstract

This article argues that our intimate entanglement with digital technologies is challenging the foundations of current HCI research and practice. Our relationships to virtual realities, artificial intelligence, neuro-implants or pervasive, cyberphysical systems generate ontological uncertainties, epistemological diffusion and ethical conundrums that require us to consider evolving the current research paradigm. I look to post-humanism and relational ontologies to sketch what I call Entanglement HCI in response. I review selected theories—Actor-Network Theory, Post-Phenomenology, Object-Oriented Ontology, Agential Realism—and their existing influences on HCI literature. Against this background, I develop Entanglement HCI from the following four perspectives: (a) the performative relationship between humans and technology; (b) the re-framing of knowledge generation processes around phenomena; (c) the tracing of accountabilities, responsibilities and ethical encounters; and (d) the practices of design and mattering that move beyond user-centred design.