We are excited to host Teerapaun Tanprasert from the University of British Columbia at our next SFU VINCI seminar.

Teerapaun Tanprasert

Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM

Location: TASC1 9204, SFU Burnaby

Zoom Link: Join via Zoom

Talk Title: From Video Calls to Mimetic Agents: Designing Technical and Social Support Across Generations

Abstract:
Older adults and their family members increasingly rely on technology to maintain connection and support one another. Yet these interactions are often difficult to sustain across distance, shaped by differences in availability, communication styles, and comfort with technology. My work explores how systems can better support these interactions without replacing the underlying relationships. I present two lines of work through systems such as HelpCall, which supports real-time, hands-on tech assistance between family members, and FamilyDitto, which explores mimetic agents that can represent a specific family member and participate in interactions on their behalf. Through these systems, I examine how different forms of mediation tools can enhance the way people support each other’s practical and emotional needs. This talk highlights the design trade-offs involved in preserving human relationships while introducing technological interventions in their dynamics.

Biography:
Teerapaun Tanprasert is a PhD candidate in Computer Science at the University of British Columbia, advised by Dr. Joanna McGrenere. Her research focuses on designing systems that support intergenerational communication and remote assistance, exploring novel ways for people to have more positive and meaningful interactions across distance. Her work has been published at leading HCI venues including CHI and CSCW. She has also collaborated with and interned at Microsoft Research, where she studied mimetic agents in social interactions, and taught introductory HCI at UBC.