Workshop #2: Uncovering Tensions in Trust in Technology

As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, trust is emerging as a critical but complex factor in human-computer interaction. Users often face tensions between how much they should trust a system and how they actually interact with it. These mismatches can significantly impact decision-making, user experience, and the broader technological landscape.

This workshop invites participants to explore these trust-related tensions through collaborative discussions and mapping exercises, which include the presentation of position papers and an interactive activity. Drawing inspiration from the Z-Inspection method, we will work together to understand where and why these tensions arise, and how they can be addressed as per the EU Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI framework.

To attend the workshop, participants are invited to submit position papers presenting academic or industrial experience aligned with the workshop’s theme.

Workshop Format: The workshop will happen in person only.

Participants must submit a position paper of up to 2,000 words that explores a tension in human-technology interaction. That is, dissonances between users’ optimal trust and their observed behaviors. Submissions should:

• Describe the context in which the interaction occurs
• Explain how the interaction creates tension
• Discuss its impact on stakeholders and the broader setting

While the primary focus is on trust-related tensions, we also welcome papers addressing other forms of tension, such as those related to ethics, sustainability, or broader socio-technical concerns.

We accept the following types of contributions:

• Case Studies: Real-world research accounts examining the topic
• Practice Reports: Insights from design or research practice investigating trust in technology
• Autoethnographic Reports: First-person reflections on lived experiences of trust-related tensions

There is no specific formatting template required. Selected participants will present and discuss their papers during the workshop.

Submissions should be sent by email to trustresearch@tlu.ee with the subject “ECCE 2025 Workshop Submission”.

Researchers and practitioners interested in:

• Advancing the theoretical knowledge about trust in technology
• Deepening investigation on guidelines for trustworthy design
• Identifying the underlying causes of trust tensions and identifying actionable strategies to address them
• Exploring how trust tensions manifest and proposing actionable solutions that align with established trustworthiness principles
• Contribute to the knowledge base on the interplay of cognitive, behavioral, social, and cultural factors shaping trust

• Deadline for submission: 31 July 2025.
• Notification to participants will be sent on 15 August 2025.

• ​Iuliia Paramonova is a Jr. Research Fellow and Designer. Her research interest is designing for trust in technologies.
• Gabriela Beltrão is a Jr. Research Fellow. Her research explores interdisciplinary approaches to examine trust in
  technology across cultures.
• Debora Souza is Jr. Research Fellow. Her research focuses on enhancing robot communication mechanisms to build user trust in real-world, cooperative contexts.
• Sonia Sousa is an Associate Professor of Interaction Design with more than 15 years of research in trust in HCI.
• David Lamas is a Professor of Human-Computer Interaction. His main research interest is in design theory and methodology.

Part1
09:00 – 9:30 Welcome and Introductions 
09:30 – 10:30 Introduction and presentations by the organizers
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee Break

Part 2
11:00 – 12:30 Presentations: tensions in trust in technology 
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch break

Part 3
13:30 – 15:00 Interactive activity: mapping tensions 90min
15:00 – 15:30 Coffee Break

Part 4
15:30 – 16:15 Discussion and future directions
16:15 – 17:00 Development of poster
17:00 Workshop Conclusion

Please write to trustresearch@tlu.ee  with the subject “ECCE 2025 Workshop Submission” if you have any questions.