HxAI

A think tank on the topic of pioneering human experiences in artificial intelligence.

Our Mission:
The central mission of HxAI is to bridge the gap between the theoretical principles of human-centered AI and their effective, ethical, and impactful application in real-world scenarios.

HxAI, with its focus on the entire human experience in dealing with AI, is an applied think tank for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HCAI). We explore how AI influences all aspects of human interaction, emotions, and decision-making. Our goal is to ensure that technologies are developed not only functionally, but also ethically, empowering, and beneficial—both on a personal and societal level.

What is HCAI?

At Thinkers Garden, we define Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HCAI) as intelligent technology built around people, not in their place. This means HCAI aims to support human capabilities while ensuring meaningful human control over AI systems. It is a next-generation approach that consistently keeps people involved throughout the process—from design and oversight to decision-making across the entire AI lifecycle. In contrast to conventional AI, which often focuses on automation, autonomy, and efficiency, HCAI is founded on empathy, user empowerment, and ethical alignment. It sets guardrails that not only mitigate risks but also enable innovative, human-centered applications.

The “Why Now?” Context

At a time when AI – especially generative and agentic AI – is developing rapidly and becoming ever more pervasive, the need for practical, human-centered approaches to AI development and deployment is more urgent than ever. HxAI addresses this need with concrete insights and collaborative solutions.

 

The HxAI Think Tank is the non-commercial research arm of Thinkers Garden, dedicated to applied research. Its goal is to connect primarily human-centered innovation approaches—such as Customer Journey Mapping, Design Thinking, Futures Thinking, and Systems Thinking—with the latest AI tools (Generative & Agentic AI) to bridge the gap between HCAI principles and practical implementation.

The focus is on collaborative knowledge creation through project-based learning with committed individuals. Our approach follows the principles of “Responsible AI by Design”—that is, proactively integrating ethics, fairness, transparency, and human oversight from the very beginning.

 

With an openness-based innovation culture, HxAI aims to generate knowledge through “learning by doing.” To achieve this, we bring together experts and dedicated individuals from different domains and continents for our mission:
to shape an increasingly AI-driven world in a fundamentally human-centered way.

What are we looking for?

Projects where we can contribute our expertise—and also expect active contribution from others. Through open, non-commercial applied research, we want to learn from each other and shape a smarter, better world together. HxAI aims to translate insights into tangible results, such as:

  • Practical frameworks for HxAI integration
  • Validated case studies
  • Best-practice guides for organizations

If you are facing a challenge at the intersection of human-centered design and AI, feel free to reach out to us.

 

We see the HxAI Think Tank as a give-and-take. Companies can contribute projects or interesting cases, and experts can share their knowledge.

Everyone who participates will learn a lot, contribute and expand their expertise, and meet interesting, dedicated people from around the world—that’s a promise we can make as initiators.

Where are you based and who can I contact?
Dubai, UAE and Vienna, Austria are the home base cities for HxAI activities.

We look forward to hearing from you:
Dr. Sanjay Nadkarni  (nadkarni@thinkers-garden.com)
René Massatti  (massatti@thinkers-garden.com)