Growing Bio-HCI at CHI: Exchanging Materials, Tools, Practices, and Artifacts

Biological Human-Computer Interaction (Bio-HCI) has recently emerged as a rapidly growing and evolving area of research that explores the intersections of biology and technology. While vast in scope, the integration of biological systems, processes, and organisms within HCI serves as fertile ground for developing new, sustainable perspectives and methods of design. Consequently, this workshop aims to grow the ecosystem of Bio-HCI works by facilitating a space for experienced researchers and practitioners to exchange biomaterial recipes, biofabrication tools, biomaking practices, and biodesigned artifacts. Participants will share these contributions in a show-and-tell format—providing physical samples to demonstrate and explain their work. The show-and-tell will further provide a scaffold for drawing connections between works and serve as a starting point to discuss challenges, tensions, and barriers, followed by future opportunities. All show-and-tell contributions will be compiled into a collective zine to highlight, disseminate, and cultivate the current ecosystem of Bio-HCI at CHI.