Invitation from the Chairs

Technology is rapidly removing the physical barriers of our world, and as a result we are seeing widely divergent cultures meet and share their perspectives for the first time. Our challenge is to see beyond our obvious differences to an underlying core of shared beliefs and experiences. This is the "common ground" that allows us to exchange ideas and learn from each other.

CHI 96 is the premiere forum for exploring the common ground at many levels. As the ACM conference on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), CHI 96 is an opportunity for you to discover the most recent trends in HCI first-hand from the wide variety of professionals who work on understanding how people interact with computers. It is a place where technology and ideas transfer between people. It is also a chance for us to share perspectives about our own work and new ways to collaborate. But at its simplest level, CHI 96 is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of that "common ground" between a person and a computer that we call a "user interface".

CHI 96 offers an exciting technical program of the latest cutting-edge research and practice, as well as a tutorial program that provides the best HCI instruction available. But of course, previous CHI participants will tell you that informal discussions are an integral part of the conference, and we have assembled a set of supporting events and activities that provide excellent opportunities for meeting colleagues and sharing ideas and perspectives.

Join us in beautiful Vancouver, and help to define the common ground of HCI, of our professional community, and of our world. We welcome your unique perspective and look forward to your participation in the conference. If you have attended past CHI conferences, we are delighted to welcome you back. If you have never been to a CHI conference, then we extend a special invitation to meet the HCI community and add your voice.

See you in Vancouver!

Kevin Schofield and Michael Tauber
CHI 96 Conference Co-Chairs