KUI 2024 | From Humanism to Digital Humanities | October 03–04, 2024 | Florence, Italy

About

In the historic setting of Florence UNESCO World Heritage, the XXI edition of the International Conference on Culture and Computer Science invites scholars, researchers, and practitioners to explore the intersection of humanism and digital humanities. The entanglement between the physical world and computer-generated data cuts across and expands far beyond disciplines such as human-computer interaction, machine-to-machine communication, computer graphics, sensor systems, humanities, and artistic sciences such as sound, visual, culture and design studies.

Under the topic “From humanism to digital humanities”, this year’s KUI conference aims to investigate the role of humans within technological development, whether as creators of systems or users. Emphasis is placed on the concept of “culture” as a synthesis of both material heritage, such as landscape, cities, monuments, and artifacts, and immaterial heritage, such as beliefs, traditions, knowledge and customs concerning nature and the universe. This year’s call thus sets its focus on the digitalisation of cultural heritage, on strategies for the preservation and protection of cultural assets, welcoming proposals in the field of architectural restoration and digital documentation and notably placing humans at the centre as critical subjects who structure, utilise, and implement digital systems. The discussion also considers climate change and the risks of contemporary crises through the lens of culture and information technology in the framework of a new humanism. Beyond this focus, the conference is open for a wider spectrum of contributions dealing with digital technologies in the cultural sector, such as ethics, XR technologies, or sketching.

Submission Guidelines

Full Article Submission

Submissions of full articles’ proposals (6-10 pages) for oral presentations must be submitted in UK English by July 29th, 2024. 

Articles must be complete, i.e., contain title, abstract, keywords, full text (emphasising unpublished, novel, advances, theories and/or applications), short analysis of results and findings, conclusions, and bibliography.

Submission Guidelines

Submitted full articles must be blind, i. e. no authors should be named, and adhere to the formatting instructions of the ACM SIGCONF style. Please use the two-columns interim ACM template that you can download here:

• Microsoft Word
• LaTeX

If ACM fonts are missing, required Linux Libertineand Biolinum can be downloaded at the sourgeforge website.

The full paper must be submitted via EasyChair at the following link

SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLE HERE

A submission implies a willingness to register for and present at the conference if the paper is accepted.

Review Process

All submissions will be double-blind peer-reviewed by at least three members of the programme committee.

Final Paper Submission

Camera-ready versions of accepted papers must have at most 10 pages of content, including text, figures, appendices, and bibliographic references. Due date: August 30th, 2024.

Presentation

One author of each accepted paper is requested to register for the conference and to present her/his work, in English, at the conference. 

This is a requirement for all accepted submissions to be included in the conference proceedings. No-show of scheduled papers will result in excluding them from the conference proceedings.

The organization committee agreed on physical-only conference mode.

Proceedings

All accepted papers will be in the conference proceedings and indexed in Scopus. 

Important note to authors about the new ACM open access publishing model: 

ACM has introduced a new open access publishing model for the International Conference Proceedings Series (ICPS). Authors based at institutions that are not yet part of the ACM Open program and do not qualify for a waiver will be required to pay an article processing charge (APC) to publish their ICPS article in the ACM Digital Library. To determine whether or not an APC will be applicable to your article, please follow the detailed guidance here: https://www.acm.org/publications/icps/author-guidance.

Further information may be found on the ACM website, as follows:

Full details of the new ICPS publishing model: https://www.acm.org/publications/icps/faqFull details of the ACM Open program: https://www.acm.org/publications/openaccess

Please direct all questions about the new model to icps-info@acm.org.

List of Topics

• 1 | Humanising the Informatic

  Dealing with AI, big data, and humanity.

  “Humanizing the informatic” is a concept that emphasises the importance of considering human values, ethics, and concerns in the development and implementation of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and use of big data. These technologies offer immense potential for innovation and progress, but they also raise complex ethical questions. Prioritising human-centric approaches, it is possible to ensure that AI and big data systems are designed and used in ways that respect human autonomy. This involves technical considerations and thoughtful engagement with diverse perspectives and experiences. Ultimately, “humanising the informatic” means recognising that technology should serve humanity rather than vice versa.

• Addressing ethical considerations at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cultural preservation.
• Navigating the challenges of handling vast amounts of data while maintaining a human-centric approach.
• Examining the symbiotic relationship between technology and humanity  in the digital era.

• 2 | Steps forward in Digital Heritage

  Innovative and advanced approaches to digitalising and conveying cultural heritage.

  Advancements in interdisciplinary research on digital heritage represent significant strides in preserving and showcasing cultural legacy for future generations. This evolution unlocks new access, research, and education possibilities through innovative and advanced approaches to heritage. By harnessing technologies such as digital surveys, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, it becomes possible to create immersive digital experiences that bring history and culture to life in unprecedented ways. These steps forward in digital heritage enhance the understanding and appreciation of the past and may ensure its preservation and accessibility for years to come.

• Showcasing cutting-edge technologies in the digitalisation and presentation of cultural heritage.
• Discussing challenges and breakthroughs in preserving and presenting cultural heritage in the digital and hybrid realm.
• Using innovative technologies and storytelling to transfer tangible and intangible cultural heritage into the present and future, reframing and recontextualising it for new insights and diverse audiences.
• Collaborative efforts for a more inclusive and comprehensive heritage preservation.
• Collections – exploitation, design, exhibition, and conveyance.  
• Documentation, visualisation and interaction in museums and archives.
• Interactive multimedia solutions for museums, theatres, concert halls, exhibitions etc.
• Simulation of cultural sites (acoustic, visual, and material).

• 3 | Dealing with Disasters and Climate Change Threat

  Digital approaches and interventions for managing old and recent natural and human-made disasters; digital countermeasure strategies for raising awareness and mitigating impacts.

  In addressing the complexities of disaster management, it is crucial to consider both old and recent events, encompassing a spectrum of natural and human-induced calamities. Employing diverse strategies, including traditional methods, modern digital approaches, and interventions, is essential. By integrating historical knowledge and contemporary technologies, it is possible to develop comprehensive solutions that mitigate risks and enhance resilience. As climate change threatens global heritage, it urges to explore innovative digital countermeasures to raise awareness and mitigate its impacts. Through digital platforms, educational campaigns, and interactive tools, it is possible to engage communities and stakeholders in understanding the urgency of preserving heritage.

• Exploring ways to raise global awareness through digital means.
• Examining the importance of digitalisation of cultural heritage under risk.
• Discussing strategies for cultural heritage protection, safeguarding and reconstruction.
• Proposing new strategies for cultural heritage documentation and fruition.
• Examining the impact of climate change on cultural heritage.
• Unveiling innovative digital strategies to mitigate and counteract these threats.

• 4 | Digital Technologies in the Cultural Sector  

  In addition to the topics mentioned above, the conference invites research contributions and innovative examples from all areas of the application of digital technologies in the cultural sector, in particular from the following areas: 

• Analogue and digital exhibition design
• Artistic Research
• Code and materiality
• Cultural techniques
• Digital and hybrid storytelling
• Digital exhibitions, science centres, museums, and galleries
• Ethics in culture and computer science
• Human–computer interaction
• Influence of art and culture on future technical developments and vice versa
• Interdependence between culture and computer science
• Intuitive usage of media systems
• Location-based and context-sensitive services in a cultural context
• Machine Learning for cultural applications
• Mixed reality, augmented reality, virtual reality systems
• Natural user interfaces
• Physical and virtual spaces, especially hybrid spaces
• Sketching

Venue

University of Florence, DIDA – Department of Architecture, Via della Mattonaia, 8 - 50121 Florence

Contact

All questions about submissions should be emailed to kui-conference@htw-berlin.de