We present a vision for conversational user interfaces (CUIs) as probes for speculating with, rather than as objects to speculate about. Popular CUIs, e.g., Alexa, are changing the way we converse, narrate, and imagine the world(s) to come. Yet, current conversational interactions normatively may promote non-desirable ends, delivering a restricted range of request-response interactions with sexist and digital colonialist tendencies. Our critical design approach envisions alternatives by considering how future voices can reside in CUIs as enabling probes. We present novel explorations that illustrate the potential of CUIs as critical design material, by critiquing present norms and conversing with imaginary species. As micro-level interventions, we show that conversations with diverse futures through CUIs can persuade us to critically shape our discourse on macro-scale concerns of the present, e.g., sustainability. We refect on how conversational interactions with pluralistic, imagined futures can contribute to how being human stands to change.@en

Recommender systems are among the most widely used applications of artificial intelligence. Since they are so widely used, it is important that we, as practitioners and researchers, think about the impact these systems may have on users, society, and other stakeholders. To that effect, the NORMalize workshop seeks to introduce normative thinking, to consider the norms and values that underpin recommender systems in the recommender systems community. The objective of NORMalize is to bring together a growing community of researchers and practitioners across disciplines who want to think about the norms and values that should be considered in the design and evaluation of recommender systems; and further educate them on how to reflect on, prioritise, and operationalise such norms and values. NORMalize offers a comprehensive program designed to cater to both the norm-curious and the norm-active. The morning session is on-site and features a lecture on normative thinking and an interactive workshop. The afternoon is a hybrid program focused on the dissemination of results. NORMalize publishes proceedings, as well as a technical report that summarises the outcomes of the interactive morning session.@en