Archives of IT

📢 Exploring 75 years of Human-Computer Interaction with Archives of IT (AIT) Join AIT and the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists on the evening of 24 February as we explore 75 years of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) in the UK with Dr Elisabetta Mori, whose research examines the role UK pioneers have played in the development of HCI. The way we interact with computers has changed dramatically over the last 75 years – from Punch Cards in the 1960s to Brain-Computer Interfaces today. As well as sharing the history of Human-Computer Interaction, Dr Mori will join a specially invited panel to debate topics linked to HCI and its impact on society now and into the future. We are delighted to be joined for the evening by Professor Leela Damodaran, Professor Emerita of Digital Inclusion and Participation at Loughborough University; Chris Winter, Advocate for the Digital Poverty Alliance; and entrepreneur and tech investor Paul Excell. Topics will include: – Achievements in HCI research and development – How HCI has sometimes been undervalued – Importance of valuing HCI properly today – Risks from AI – What we have learnt in HCI (good and bad) – Where should and will HCI go next? Tickets are available to attend either in-person (including plenty of time for networking over drinks & nibbles 🥂 ), or online. 📍 5.30-8pm, Monday 24th February, WCIT Livery Hall, London 🎟️ ➡️ Book your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/eGuWdZQH

Is there a market for #tech designed for an older generation who are either disenfranchised by, or scared of, unnecessarily complicated modern devices? And when it comes to the way we interact with computers and technology, is less attention paid to users in the design process now, than in 1970s and 80s? The answer to both questions – it would seem - is a resounding yes. #DigitalInclusion and #accessibility featured heavily in the debate at AIT’s ‘Human-Computer Interaction’ event this week and, somewhat to my surprise, attendees from both academia and industry felt that #HCI today is not as inclusive as it once was. Older people, in particular, are being left behind by the rapid pace of technological change and a failure by designers to put the user first and consider their needs. Devices are frequently too complicated and not sufficiently intuitive, with new features added because they are possible, not because there’s a demand from users. On top of that, frequent updates and new innovations – not to mention cyber risks and the ever-present threat from scammers - mean that for many older people it’s a constant battle to feel confident using tech. This despite the fact that the latest tech has the ability to alleviate many of the issues faced by older people: from loneliness eased by video calls, to health issues monitored by remote devices. 🤔 What can be done to improve the situation? Awareness is a good place to start, particularly amongst suppliers and HCI professionals, and there is an opportunity for government to play a leading role too. To that end, I was pleased to see the launch of the new Digital Inclusion Action Plan from the UK government today. 🔮 As we look to the future, I’d like to think that the latest advances in technology – such as voice user interfaces (e.g. Alexa) and the natural language capabilities of GenAI – will herald further breakthroughs in HCI that make technology more intuitive, natural and human-like, and therefore easier for an older generation to ‘operate’ confidently. https://lnkd.in/eH_xASck 📍 The Archives of IT event – From Punch Cards to Brain-Computer Interfaces: 75 Years of Human-Computer Interaction in the UK – showcased research from Dr Elisabetta Mori and included an engaging debate led by our panellists Professor Leela Damodaran, Chris Winter and Paul Excell. 🙏 A huge thank you to all of them as well as our audiences, both in person and online; the WCIT Charity who generously supported the research, and the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists for hosting the event.

We’re discussing 75 years of Human-Computer Interaction and research conducted by Elisabetta Mori at the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists with Professor Emerita of Digital Inclusion and Participation at Loughborough University, Leela Damodaran, Paul Excell, Chris Winter and AIT CEO Tola Sargeant.

📢 Our latest newsletter is out, packed with updates including more about AIT's Human-Computer Interaction event, which takes place on Monday 24 February, highlights from AIT's 2025 Forum on Norms for the Digital Age, new trustee Tim Gregory and collaborations with Reading Museum, the RSPB and Digit<all> CODE Awards. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eXsrhEGZ

🚀 “History is the foundation platform for a better future” We are surrounded by new exciting immersive ways of interacting with computer, wearables, sensors, devices … driving improved healthcare, immersive entertainment, supporting courageous people and communities (such AI4C) to name a few ….. Super excited to be joining leaders from the Archives of IT, Worshipful Company of Information Technologists, WCIT Charity on the evening of 24 February to 🎉👏 #celebrate and be #inspired by 75 years of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) in the UK ➡️🔍 Consider the future of HCI - opportunities and challenges Agenda for the evening: 🔬 Short summary presentation of Dr Elisabetta Mori’s fascinating research and insights on the human history of HCI from: Punch Cards in the 1960s to the Brain-Computer Interfaces today … which included interviewing and getting personal, human stories of the HCI pioneers of the day ⌚️An interactive panel discussing HCI Opportunities and Challenges ✅ Professor Leela Damodaran - Professor Emerita of Digital Inclusion and Participation at Loughborough University; ✅ Chris Winter, Advocate for the Digital Poverty Alliance ✅ Paul Excell Tech investor ScaleUp Group and Chair, AI4C (AI for Charities) WCIT Charity Topics will include: – Achievements in HCI research and development – How HCI has sometimes been undervalued – Importance of valuing HCI properly today – Risks from AI – What we have learnt in HCI (good and bad) – Where should and will HCI go next? 🎟️ Book in person or on-line: https://lnkd.in/eGuWdZQH 📍 5.30-8pm, Mon 24th Feb, WCIT Livery Hall, London

Taking a moment to reflect on the value of studying the past to inform the future today after an enjoyable Archives of IT strategy day at The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park this week. 📸 Whilst there, the team couldn’t resist the opportunity to pose for a photo with the world’s oldest working digital computer – the Harwell Dekatron – as its valves and relays whirred in the background. 🤔 To marvel at the mechanics behind the Turing-Welchman Bombe. A machine used to break Enigma-enciphered messages about enemy military operations during the Second World War, which is considered one of the early milestones on the road to today’s AI-powered world. 🔎 And to dip into the popup exhibition ‘Digital Britain – the Road from Reading’, which celebrates the 60th anniversary of iconic tech company DEC in the UK, ahead of the opening of Reading Museum's ‘Reading’s Digital Revolution’ exhibition next month. Throughout the day, we couldn’t help but be reminded of the leading role the UK has played in the development of computing over the years and be inspired by the stories behind the tech on display. What lessons can we learn from those early computing pioneers today? That question happens to be one that the team at AIT reflects on regularly. It goes to the heart of what the charity does as we build a unique archive of oral history interviews with leading figures from the world of tech and use their stories to inspire future computer scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs through our school resources and outreach programmes. 🌟 Capturing the Past 🌟 Inspiring the Future 🌟

💡 This promises to be a really interesting evening exploring both the history and future of Human Computer Interfaces. I still find it incredible that we've progressed from bits of card with holes in them, to human bodies with microchips in them, in such a short space of time. 🤯 Join AIT at the WCIT Livery Hall next Monday evening to explore the history of HCI in the UK & debate the future of human computer interaction 👀👇 (or attend for free online if you can't make it in-person) https://lnkd.in/e7c6TfAA Archives of IT | Worshipful Company of Information Technologists | WCIT Charity | Elisabetta Mori | Chris Winter | Paul Excell

🎆 One week to go! Join Archives of IT and the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists on the evening of 24 February as we explore 75 years of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) in the UK with Dr Elisabetta Mori, whose research examines the role UK pioneers have played in the development of HCI. As well as sharing the history of HCI, Dr Mori will join a specially invited panel to debate topics linked to its impact on society now and in the future. We are delighted to be joined for the evening by Professor Leela Damodaran, Professor Emerita of Digital Inclusion and Participation at Loughborough University; Chris Winter, Advocate for the Digital Poverty Alliance; and entrepreneur and tech investor Paul Excell. Tickets are available to attend either in-person (including plenty of time for networking over drinks & nibbles 🥂 ), or online. 📍 5.30-8pm, Monday 24th February, WCIT Livery Hall, London #ComputerHistory #HumanComputerInteraction Find out more onformation and to book your tickets vit our Eventbrite page 🎟️ ➡️ : https://lnkd.in/eGuWdZQH And watch our HCI trailer 📹 ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eb2kCPie

Interested in the history of computers 🖥️ ? Then join Archives of IT as we explore 75 years of Human-Computer Intercation on the evening of 24 Febuary at the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists in central London and online. #ComputerHistory #HumanComputerInteraction Find out more and book your tickets 🎟️ ➡️ : https://lnkd.in/eGuWdZQH