Explanation Strategies as an Empirical-Analytical Lens for Socio-Technical Contextualization of Machine Learning Interpretability

During a research project in which we developed a machine learning (ML) driven visualization system for non-ML experts, we reflected on interpretability research in ML, computer-supported collaborative work and human-computer interaction. We found that while there are manifold technical approaches, these often focus on ML experts and are evaluated in decontextualized empirical studies. We hypothesized that participatory design research may support the understanding of stakeholders' situated sense-making in our project, yet, found guidance regarding ML interpretability inexhaustive. Building on philosophy of technology, we formulated explanation strategies as an empirical-analytical lens explicating how technical explanations mediate the contextual preferences concerning people's interpretations. In this paper, we contribute a report of our proof-of-concept use of explanation strategies to analyze a co-design workshop with non-ML experts, methodological implications for participatory design research, design implications for explanations for non-ML experts and suggest further investigation of technological mediation theories in the ML interpretability space.

The Virtual Collaborator - A Definition and Research Agenda

The interdisciplinary research endeavor of computer-supported collaborative work has already investigated information technology that supports collaboration. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), new forms of collaboration need to be considered that involve AI as an active partner within a collaborative setting. Theories and design guidelines that support collaboration, considering cognitive and social group effects, need to be revised when team members are not solely human anymore. Within this exploratory study, the authors aim to provide insights of team members on their conception of a so-called virtual collaborator. A study with 144 participants was carried out to provide valuable information about collaboration principles, conceptual implementations and requirements. The results indicate that the participants are indecisive about a precise conception but expect an ideal collaborator that rather should not work on relevant tasks or make vital decisions. Based on the results, the authors compose new research questions and possible experiment settings.

O impacto da aplicabilidade das técnicas do trabalho colaborativo suportado por computador nas compras do governo federal – pregão eletrônico

O presente artigo objetiva analisar até que ponto as compras públicas podem ser agilizadas com a introdução das técnicas do trabalho colaborativo, a fim de controlar a informação de modo consistente, eliminar as tarefas improdutivas e a burocracia desnecessária e, como consequência, aumentar a eficiência e a qualidade do processo. Para comprovar os dados pesquisados, realizou-se um estudo de caso na seção de compras de uma Instituição Federal com o intuito de introduzir as técnicas do trabalho colaborativo suportado por computador (Computer Supported Collaborative Work – CSCW), por meio da ferramenta de workflow, nas compras governamentais que praticam a modalidade de licitação de pregão eletrônico. Os dados colhidos e testados demonstraram que a implantação dessa ferramenta tornará o processo de compras da Instituição mais rápido e eficiente, indicando que é possível quebrar o paradigma da cultura burocrática que permeia as compras governamentais.