When the Machine Disappears, Interaction Succeeds
From Childhood to CERN and Silicon Valley — A Long Journey to the Human–Machine Interface
Senior Research Fellow Pertti Huuskonen’s career is as diverse as the research field he represents. Having studied electrical and computer engineering in Oulu, Huuskonen earned his doctorate in artificial intelligence at a time when the term was still a scientific curiosity.
“If I were a psychologist, I’d say it all starts from childhood — but since I’m an engineer, I’ll still say it all starts from childhood,” he laughs.
Childhood Legos, radios, and his first self-built computer led him into the world of electronic systems and software.
In the early years of his career, Huuskonen worked at VTT in artificial intelligence research, and later at CERN in Geneva, where he studied user interfaces for the world’s largest particle accelerators. He then joined Nokia Research Center, developing mobile phone interfaces and studying how people adapted to an entirely new concept — pocket-sized computers.
“At Nokia, it was understood early on that devices aren’t made for engineers but for people. We worked in teams that included not only engineers but also psychologists, sociologists, and even artists. It was incredibly fruitful.”
Huuskonen also worked in Silicon Valley, observing the pace and risk-taking spirit of startup culture.
“There, you constantly meet people who are willing to fail several times just to learn. In Finland, we’re still a bit more cautious about that,” he reflects.
When Nokia began downsizing, Huuskonen found himself — “a bit by accident, but luckily so,” as he puts it — at Tampere University and the TAUCHI research center, where he continues to work today. He has participated in numerous EU projects and industry collaborations.
“A big part of my work is also about building connections — bringing researchers and companies together. Real insights often emerge when people from different fields start speaking the same language.”
Companies Need a “Vision of the Future”
“Companies have an enormous need for long-term research,” Huuskonen says. “Many operate on a time horizon of just a few months. There’s always a rush to get the product out, and no time to think about what will happen three years from now. It’s like running next to a bicycle so fast you never manage to jump onto the seat.”
According to him, their research center helps companies pause and look ahead.
“Companies come to us seeking insight into what’s coming in two, five, or fifteen years — and most importantly, they do it together with others.”
Collaborative projects, he says, are often the best part of research.
“When ten companies and a couple of research institutions sit down at the same table, knowledge emerges that no one could have discovered alone. Those projects are often the most rewarding,” Huuskonen notes.
A Multisensory Future: When the Screen Is Everywhere
Huuskonen becomes animated when talking about the future of user interfaces.
“Computer use is still monotonous — we stare at a screen and tap a keyboard. But what if the screen wasn’t just on the desk, but all around us?”
He envisions a future where all surfaces can become displays — tables, windows, and walls — controlled by touch, gesture, speech, or gaze.
“Display technology is becoming so cheap it can be embedded in everything. At the same time, surfaces can provide tactile feedback — vibration, pressure, even temperature.”
“Imagine being able to feel data in your hands,” Huuskonen says. “Or sitting in a virtual garden, hearing bees buzz and feeling the wind on your face — even though you’re actually in an office. When multisensory technology works, it no longer feels artificial.”
The Gaze Reveals Interest, Not Commands
Not all new control methods are without problems.
“Eye tracking can’t replace the mouse,” Huuskonen explains. “Our eyes wildly move from place to place, so they don’t work as pointing devices. But gaze can reveal what we’re interested in — and that information can be used to make systems more personalized.”
The key, he emphasizes, is that technology should not distract the user.
“A good interface is one you don’t notice. That’s when it succeeds. The machine should fade into the background and let the person focus on what matters — whether it’s writing, designing, or creating.”
Artificial Intelligence and the Challenge of Abundance
Huuskonen views the long-term effects of AI with optimism — though not naively.
“In the long run, AI could lead to abundance — a world where machines handle the boring stuff, and people can focus on creativity. Then the essential civic skill will be knowing how to live meaningfully in a society where everything works automatically.”
The Skill of the Future: Curiosity
In the end, Huuskonen returns to the importance of learning.
“If I were to start studying now, I wouldn’t worry too much about the field. The most important thing is to learn how to learn. The world is changing fast, and those who stay curious will thrive.”
“Engineers should also understand psychology and the human sciences. And on the other hand, the arts are indispensable — without them, we lose meaning. The wisest approach is to know a little about many things, and a lot about something.”
TAUCHI Research Centre Presentation Video
Author: Riitta Yrjönen
