Join us in welcoming John Lee, a professor from the University of Wisconsin, as he discusses cognitive engineering. Alums and friends of the program are always welcome.
How cognitive engineering can shape AI and how AI may shape cognitive engineering
Recent developments in AI are transforming both work and leisure. In particular, generative large language models—and their multimodal, agentic variants—enable computers to augment or even replace human roles in many contexts. These changes are especially pronounced in knowledge work and academia. This talk draws on examples of an AI-enabled textbook tutor and a reviewer-critic to explore how cognitive engineering professionals can contribute to design beyond the interface. A preliminary framework is introduced to describe the design material of generative AI in terms of “layers and slices.” This framework helps clarify how cognitive engineering can inform three core challenges in human-AI interaction: the efficiency–engagement tradeoff, alignment with individuals’ goals and values, and uncertainty negotiation. These challenges help explain why trust has become a central concern in AI design.
John D. Lee is the Emerson Electric Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he directs the Cognitive Systems Laboratory. His research examines how technology mediates attention and decision-making in complex human-machine systems, with applications ranging from vehicle automation to AI-enabled tools. He has co-edited several popular texts including The Oxford Handbook of Cognitive Engineering and Designing for People: An Introduction to Human Factors Engineering. His work has informed both academic theory and real-world systems, through collaborations with government agencies and industry partners. Sponsors of his work include: NSF, NHTSA, GM, Honda, and Toyota.
Notifications
