Continuous Collaboration in Hybrid Spaces: Insights from Prof. Dr Ceenu George

How do we bridge the gaps between physical, virtual, and AI-driven environments to enable
truly seamless collaboration? In a thought-provoking talk on 30 April, Prof. Dr Ceenu George
from the TU Berlin, Germany, shared insights from her research at the intersection of
spatial interaction, ubiquitous computing, and AI-mediated collaboration.

Key Themes

• Primary vs. Secondary Tasks: Technology often disrupts our focus. How can we design interfaces (e.g., intent-based privacy controls) that integrate secondary tasks without breaking workflows?

• Spaces as Catalysts: Physical environments shape collaboration. How can we transfer these dynamics to virtual reality and vice versa? From multi-sensory feedback to (social) traces,
  spaces expand what we can achieve together.

• Shared Understanding: Collaboration isn’t just about tools; it’s about meaning-making and
  shared interpretation.

The talk concluded with examples of AI as a continuous collaborator, from avatar-guided navigation to cross-device interaction. As hybrid systems become more prevalent, the challenge is to optimize not just for productivity, but for creativity and social connection.

Missed the talk? Stay tuned for more events!