Although computing fields such as human−computer interaction (HCI) arose primarily from practical disciplines aimed at using computing to solve everyday problems, more recent research agendas have aspired to almost philosophical heights in hopes of bringing out and better supporting the best that humanity has to offer. One such agenda is human−engaged computing (HEC), which proposes that computing should approach humans holistically, addressing physical, mental, and spiritual life. HEC's goals are inspiring, but also somewhat challenging to pursue in their abstractness: do computing research disciplines truly have the theories and methods needed to understand and intervene to support people's inner potentials, or to advance their spiritual lives. Taking these aspirations literally and seriously, this essay analyzes a human ability that surely is among our highest achievements as a species——our ability to read, and to read deeply——and it derives from both literary and scientific research on deep reading a set of ideas that could serve as normative design criteria for HEC researchers and practitioners: epiphany, engaged solitude, and soulful connection.

human−computer interaction  /  human−engaged computing  /  humanistic HCI  /  deep reading