An illustration of the top of the statue of The Thinker by Rodin. There is a nest in his head, with three chicks sticking out, and their parent bird flying above.

Tools for Thought

Better thinking through AI

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Coceptual image showing an AI agent which challenges the user

In the news | Communications of the ACM

AI Should Challenge, Not Obey

September 18, 2024

“How should we evaluate the legacy of Thomas Jefferson?,” asks a professor of American history. The reply: “The general consensus on Thomas Jefferson is that he was a complex and contradictory figure who championed the ideals of democracy, tolerance, and…

Microsoft Research Blog

Microsoft at CHI 2024: Innovations in human-centered design

May 15, 2024

From immersive virtual experiences to interactive design tools, Microsoft Research is at the frontier of exploring how people engage with technology. Discover our latest breakthroughs in human-computer interaction research at CHI 2024.

Microsoft Research Blog

Research Forum Episode 2: Transforming health care and the natural sciences, AI and society, and the evolution of foundational AI technologies

March 6, 2024

Research advances are driving real-world impact faster than ever. Episode 2 of Microsoft Research Forum explores how AI is transforming health care and the natural sciences, the intersection of AI and society, and the evolution of foundational AI technologies.

Microsoft Research Podcast

Abstracts: February 29, 2024

February 29, 2024 | Lev Tankelevitch and Gretchen Huizinga

Can how we think about our thinking help us better incorporate generative AI in our lives & work? Explore metacognition’s potential to improve the tech’s usability on “Abstracts,” then sign up for Microsoft Research Forum for more on this &…

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The Tools for Thought team is interdisciplinary, mixing experts in social science, computer science, engineering, and design. Our workstreams reflect this mix, combining depth in user research, cutting-edge technology, and new user experiences.