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shiroshana Tissera

POSITIVE COMPUTING: Harnessing Technology for Human Well-being

Updated: 3 days ago




Episode Summary:

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the world of affective computing, learning technologies, and positive computing with Professor Rafael Calvo, a distinguished academic currently based at the Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London. Professor Calvo discusses his impressive journey across various disciplines and countries, the integration of technology with mental well-being, and how his work aims to improve human lives.


Introduction:

Professor Rafael Calvo, a leading expert in affective computing and positive computing, has made substantial contributions to human-computer interaction, well-being technology, and design engineering. Based at Imperial College London, Professor Calvo is pioneering research that explores how technology can support well-being and enhance mental health.


  • Co-lead (Imperial) at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence.

  • Co-Editor of IEEE Transactions on Technology and Society.

  • Current Grants: - Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence - Improving asthma care through personalised risk assessment and support from a conversational agent (EPSRC: project EP/W002477/1) - IMPACT Salud (https://www.impact-dementia.org/), NIHR - Dementia Research Institute


Key Topics Covered:

  • Background and Career Path:

    • Professor Calvo’s journey from Argentina to the UK, including his academic roles in Australia and the UK.

    • How his multicultural background and travels influenced his perspective on psychology, philosophy, and engineering.

  • The Essence of Positive Computing:

    • Introduction to positive computing: using technology to promote well-being.

    • Key elements of positive psychology and self-determination theory, focusing on autonomy, relatedness, and competence.

  • Designing for Social Impact:

    • Explanation of the Double Diamond Design Process, a framework for problem identification and solution development.

    • Case studies of impactful projects, including the design of health tools for dementia care in Peru and the smart home initiative for dementia patients in the UK.

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

    • Insights into working with diverse teams across fields such as psychology, engineering, and social sciences.

    • Professor Calvo’s experiences in fostering collaborative environments that enhance creativity and problem-solving.

  • AI and Ethics in Health Care:

    • The role of AI in supporting conversations between healthcare providers and patients.

    • Ethical considerations around AI in health contexts, focusing on autonomy, safety, and trust.

  • Advice for Aspiring Researchers and PhD Students:

    • Follow your passion for big, meaningful problems.

    • Balance between technical focus and a holistic, societal view.

    • The importance of resilience, curiosity, and a lifelong learning mindset.

  • Looking Ahead:

    • Professor Calvo’s aspirations for expanding his dementia-related work to other countries.

    • His vision of AI as a facilitator of meaningful human connections in healthcare.


Key Quotes:

  • “Design engineering isn’t about having technical solutions but understanding people’s needs and designing with empathy.”

  • “To be impactful, research must have a social purpose—it's about the real-world applications and the human benefit.”


Resources Mentioned:


Final Reflection:

  • Professor Calvo expressed gratitude to Dorian Peters, Richard Ryan

  • Dorian Peters - Dorian Peters is a researcher in human-computer interaction and design engineering at Imperial College London, known for her work on digital experiences that foster autonomy, health, and well-being. She co-authored Positive Computing: Technology for Wellbeing and Human Potential and authored Interface Design for Learning. Dorian has held prominent roles, including as Associate Director at Cambridge's Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, and has collaborated with organizations like Google and Sony. Read more


  • Richard Ryan - a renowned psychologist and creator of Self-Determination Theory. He highlighted Ryan's influence on his work and the significant impact of their collaboration. The conversation concluded with mutual thanks and appreciation for the insightful discussion. Read more



Connect with Professor Rafael Calvo:



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