jún 22. 2026

Symposium „How Design Choices Affect Human-AI Interaction“

The way we design AI systems influences far more than how they work. It shapes how people interact with them, how much they trust them, and how they fit into everyday life. This one-day symposium will bring together researchers, philosophers, industry practitioners, and public sector experts to explore why these design choices matter and what it takes to build AI that truly serves people.

As AI becomes part of more aspects of our daily lives, the decisions made during its design have lasting consequences. Systems can be built to maximise engagement, encourage certain behaviours, or create the impression of empathy. At the same time, they can also be designed to support human autonomy, strengthen trust, and help people make informed decisions. The symposium will examine both sides of these choices and the impact they have on individuals and society.

Through keynote talks and panel discussions, participants will discuss topics including AI and human autonomy, the role of AI in the public sector, and whether AI interactions should feel human. More importantly, the event aims to create space for an open exchange between people with different perspectives, encouraging thoughtful conversations about the choices behind today’s AI systems and how they can lead to more trustworthy technology.

Programme

Thursday, June 18, 2026

8:30–9:15

  • Registration & Coffee

9:30–10:00

  • Opening Session – Why Digital Humanism?
    Erich Prem (eutema) and Sara Solárová (KInIT)

10:00–10:40

  • Keynote – AI, Human Autonomy & Manipulation
    Dr. Raul Hakli (University of Helsinki) and Dr. Pekka Mäkelä (HSSH, University of Helsinki)

10:40–11:00

  • Coffee Break

11:00–11:50

  • Panel Discussion – Can AI Make Ethically Relevant Decisions?
    Klaus Staudacher (bidt), Libor Bešenyi (Xolution), and Tomáš Tánczos (DAITABLE)

11:50–13:10

  • Lunch Break

13:15–14:00

  • Panel Discussion – AI in the Public Sector: Rulebook vs. Desk
    Zuzana Šefčík Aschenbrennerová (City of Bratislava), Jan Labanc (City of Vienna), and Natalia Slosiarova (KInIT)

14:00–14:15

  • Coffee Break

14:15–15:00

  • Keynote – Should the Interaction with AI Feel Human?
    Daniela Vacek (KInIT & SAV) and Katarína Marcinčinová (KInIT)
    Commentary by Fabio Tollon (Edinburgh Futures Institute, University of Edinburgh)

15:00–15:20

  • Coffee Break

15:20–16:10

  • Panel Discussion – Designing AI Systems for Autonomy
    Dr. Pekka Mäkelä (University of Helsinki), Martin Čambal (ESET), and Georgios Kalaitzidis (T-Mobile CZ)

16:10–16:20

  • Coffee Break

16:20–17:00

  • Closing – Better Research for Better AI @ KInIT

Registration

Registration is free of charge. Please register for the event here.

Come and join us at the How design choices affect human-AI interaction symposium in Bratislava on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

The symposium is jointly organised by EUDHIT and APVV TECHNE (APVV-22-0323).