Welcome to the CHAI Lab

At the Conversational Human-AI Interfaces (CHAI) Lab, we’re dedicated to advancing Conversational User Interfaces (CUIs), including chatbots, voice-assistants, and LLM-based Conversational AI systems, that truly support and empower humans. Our name, CHAI, is a nod to our focus on CHI (Computer-Human Interaction) and the rich conversation tradition in Indian culture, where chai (tea) is often a medium for meaningful human connections.

Our research explores three core dimensions of human-CUI interaction, always with the goal of augmenting human capabilities:

• Understanding: We study how people conceptualize and interact with conversational systems. This foundational insight guides us in designing CUIs that align with human thinking and enhance cognitive abilities.

• Creating: Guided by our research, we develop CUIs that amplify human potential. Our projects focus on interfaces that aid learning, improve access to health information, and support decision-making—always as tools that extend human abilities rather than replace them.

• Refining: We continually refine CUI design methodologies to ensure they align with human cognition and needs. This iterative process helps create interfaces that naturally integrate into workflows, supporting users without trying to mimic or supersede human intelligence.

At CHAI Lab, we envision a future where CUIs become collaborative partners, amplifying human creativity, knowledge, and problem-solving. Just like a thoughtful conversation over chai can expand perspectives and spark new ideas, we aim to create conversational AI that respects human agency, supports human goals, and enriches experiences.