Panels

The aim of Panels is to stimulate thought and discussion about ideas and issues of interest to the human-computer interaction community. Panels typically focus on controversial or emerging issues, and are designed to bring out the range of viewpoints on the topic.

A panel is a place where people with expertise on a topic conduct an interactive discussion that brings out the many facets of the issues. The goal is to help the audience broaden their understanding of the issues and perhaps even modify their views.

Panels last 90 minutes and typically include three to five panelists plus a moderator. A discussant may be used when appropriate.

Types of Panels

Panels may be on a wide range of topics, although they should focus on the controversial aspects or unresolved issues of the topic. They are an especially appropriate format for discussing pressing issues in HCI practice and theory, emerging user trends and technologies, and social issues associated with technology.

Panels may be of many types. Some are analytic; they analyze and synthesize current practices in the various fields of HCI. Some are comparative; they compare distinct approaches, techniques, and models to a particular problem including evaluation, design, and implementation. Other panels are historic; they revisit the past as a means to inform the present. We encourage the submission of new types of panels, particularly those that stimulate a high degree of interaction among the panelists and between the panelists and the audience.

Panel Format

It is important that the format of a panel be designed to enable spontaneous, interactive discussion. One approach is to limit each panelist to a short (e.g., 5 minute) position statement presentation. Then the panel fields questions posed by the moderator, and later by the audience. Another format, one that has been conducted quite successfully in the past, is a formal debate, with position statements and rebuttals, all on a strict time schedule. You are encouraged to formulate other types of formats that will similarly stimulate interaction and discussion.

Review Process

Each proposal will be independently reviewed by the members of the Panels committee. The committee is a multidisciplinary group drawn from industry and academia. We are looking for stimulating and timely issues debated by well-informed and engaging panelists.

Controversy is encouraged, as are unique and diverse subjects. We will be especially interested in formats that generate interaction and discussion among panelists and with the audience; this is not the place for a series of prepared presentations.

Given that panels often depart from the usual, we encourage you to contact either Panels Co-Chair to discuss your ideas prior to submission. We can help you focus your ideas and highlight aspects of the proposal you may not have considered.

Panels are selected based on several criteria, including:

• a focus on an interesting issue that is relevant to HCI
• a topic or issue that lends itself to debate
• a format that ensures interactive discussion among panelists and with the audience
• panelists with demonstrated expertise in the topic under discussion
• a range of views and perspectives represented on the panel

Format

Submissions for CHI 99 Panels must include a two-page extended abstract and a six-page proposal for the panel.

Extended Abstract

Prepare a two-page extended abstract of the panel, suitable for publication in the CHI 99 Extended Abstracts. It should include the title of the panel, names and affiliations of the panelists, an abstract, keywords, an overview of the panel topic and format, and a summary of each panelist's position. The extended abstract must be in the CHI Conference Publications Format.

Proposal

Prepare a six-page proposal that includes:

• A list of all panel members including names, affiliations, phone numbers, and email addresses. You should identify the panel organizer. Each person listed must have agreed to be a member of the panel.
• A description of the topic, stating the controversial aspects of the issue to be discussed, and the relevance to HCI.
• A description of the format you will use to run the panel. You should be clear about how you will ensure interactive, spontaneous discussion among panelists rather than a series of presentations or a scripted dialogue. Also, describe how you will incorporate discussion with the audience.
• A compilation of position statements. The panelists should each generate a position statement outlining their views on the panel topic and the issues it raises, as well as their qualifications to talk about the topic. Each participant's comments should be no more than half a page in length.

Upon Acceptance

Authors will be notified of acceptance or rejection by mid-November 1998.

Extended abstracts of accepted panels will be published in the CHI 99 Extended Abstracts.

The primary author of each accepted panel will receive an Author Kit, with instructions for producing a camera-ready extended abstract for publication. The abstract is due by 8 January 1999.

Panel organizers are expected to coordinate the contributions of the panel participants and help them prepare for the conference.

Submissions

1. Your submission must be in English.
2. Electronic and fax submissions are not accepted.
3. Submissions which arrive after the deadline will not be considered.
4. Your submission should contain no proprietary or confidential material and should cite no proprietary or confidential publications.
5. Responsibility for permissions to use video, audio or pictures of identifiable people rests with you, not CHI 99.
6. We strongly suggest the use of express mail or a courier service for speedy delivery. Customs labels should bear the words "Educational materials with no commercial value."

Checklist

Please follow the steps in this checklist to ensure completeness in your submission.

• Read the conference overview.
• If you wish to request a mentor, please see the description of the mentoring program, and contact the Mentoring Liaisons no later than 15 June 1998.
• Fill out cover pages One, Two and Three.
• Prepare a two-page extended abstract in the Conference Publications Format for publication, as described above.
• Prepare a six-page proposal for review, as described above.
• Collect Cover Page One, Cover Page Two, Cover Page Three, the proposal, and the extended abstract, in the order given, in a packet. Make 6 copies of the packet. Use 8.5 x 11 inch or A4 paper.
• Make sure each copy of the packet is stapled, not loose or held by clips.
• Send the 6 copies of your submission packet to the Send To address shown.
• You may include a stamped, self-addressed reply postcard which we will mail to acknowledge receipt of your submission.