The Chi 2026 conference continues to set the global benchmark for human-computer interaction and ubiquitous computing. As the premier venue for research on interactive systems, it brings together designers, engineers, and practitioners shaping how people and technology intersect.
This year's edition emphasizes scalable, human-centered approaches to interaction design, cross-device ecosystems, and responsible innovation. The following sections outline key topics, dates, and takeaways that define the Chi 2026 experience.
| Event | Date | Location / Format | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chi 2026 Conference | 26–31 May 2026 | Coimbra, Portugal | Inaugural on-site conference in Portugal |
| Paper Submission Deadline | 15 October 2025 | UTC−00:00 | Full papers, short papers, and posters |
| Notification Date | 10 February 2026 | UTC+00:00 | Double-blind review completed |
| Early Registration | 1 March 2026 | Open to all authors and attendees | Discounted rates for students and emerging researchers |
Conference Tracks and Technical Topics
Interaction Design and Emerging Technologies
This track explores novel interfaces, augmented reality, and embodied interaction. Submissions focus on prototypes, field studies, and design patterns that scale across contexts.
Usability, Accessibility, and Inclusive Research
Work in this area emphasizes inclusive methods, accessibility evaluation, and participatory design with diverse communities. Researchers present findings that broaden access to digital systems.
Ubiquitous Computing and Cross-Device Ecosystems
Contributions examine how computation moves into the environment, spanning wearables, home systems, and public infrastructure. Papers address interoperability and user control.
Ethics, Privacy, and Responsible Innovation
Studies here investigate data governance, algorithmic transparency, and long-term societal impacts. The track encourages critical frameworks and mitigation strategies for emerging technologies.
Key Program and Submission Guidelines
Chi 2026 maintains rigorous double-blind review and prioritizes contributions that demonstrate impact, clarity, and methodological rigor. The conference chairs highlight diversity of authorship and global participation as core values.
Accepted work appears in the ACM Digital Library, with selected papers invited to a special journal issue. Workshops and symposia provide deeper engagement around specialized themes in human-centered computing.
Venue and Practical Information
Coimbra offers a historic setting with modern academic facilities, supporting networking and collaboration. The conference includes hybrid participation options to accommodate a distributed research community.
Travel grants, childcare support, and accessibility services are available to ensure broad participation. Attendees can expect dedicated technical sessions, poster galleries, and informal meetups throughout the week.
Moving Forward with Chi 2026
- Note submission deadlines and prepare anonymized manuscripts well in advance.
- Engage with workshops and symposia that align with your research interests.
- Network across tracks to identify collaborators and cross-disciplinary opportunities.
- Plan travel early to secure funding and registration benefits.
- Contribute openly to discussions on ethics, accessibility, and responsible design.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who should consider submitting a paper to Chi 2026?
Researchers and practitioners in human-computer interaction, ubiquitous computing, interaction design, and related fields should consider submitting if their work addresses novel technical contributions or meaningful empirical insights with real-world relevance.
What reviewing process does Chi 2026 follow?
The conference uses double-blind peer review. Authors must anonymize submissions, and reviewers assess originality, significance, clarity, and methodological soundness against ACM publication standards.
Are workshops and late-breaking findings included in the program?
Yes, workshops provide focused discussion on emerging topics, and late-breaking work allows authors to share new findings that may not yet be mature for full papers. Both formats undergo separate review and selection.
What support is available for authors and attendees with accessibility needs?
The organizing committee offers accessibility accommodations, childcare facilities, travel grants, and clear guidance on submitting needs in a timely manner to ensure equitable participation.