Improving fairness in machine learning systems: What do industry practitioners need?

Abstract: The potential for ML systems to amplify social inequities and unfairness is receiving increasing popular and academic attention. A surge of recent work has focused on the development of algorithmic tools to assess and mitigate such unfairness. If these tools are to have a positive impact on industry practice, however, it is crucial that their design be informed by an understanding of real-world needs. Through 35 semi-structured interviews and an anonymous survey of 267 ML practitioners, we conduct the first systematic investigation of commercial product teams' challenges and needs for support in developing fairer ML systems. We identify areas of alignment and disconnect between the challenges faced by industry practitioners and solutions proposed in the fair ML research literature. Based on these findings, we highlight directions for future ML and HCI research that will better address industry practitioners' needs.

• The paper identifies core fairness challenges in real-world ML systems by analyzing industry practices.
• It employs surveys and interviews with practitioners to uncover operational and technical gaps in current fairness approaches.
• The findings offer actionable guidelines to develop more equitable and accountable machine learning applications.

An Analysis of the SIGCHI Extended Abstracts Sample File for LaTeX Submissions

This document, titled "SIGCHI Extended Abstracts Sample File: Note Initial Caps," serves as a template and guide for authors preparing submissions for SIGCHI-related conferences. The paper outlines detailed formatting requirements and provides recommendations for authoring content suitable for an international audience of computer-human interaction researchers.

Overview of Content and Structure

The paper begins with an introduction that highlights the necessity of maintaining a consistent appearance across the conference publications. It advises authors to adhere to the guidelines provided, ensuring uniformity and quality in presentation. The document is structured to guide authors through various formatting aspects, from font selection to the inclusion of figures and references.

Key Formatting Guidelines

• Text Formatting: Authors are instructed to use an 8.5-point Verdana font or a similar sans-serif font, with Arial as a feasible substitute. The paper stresses the consistent application of style, particularly for special purposes like distinguishing source code.
• Language and Style: Authors are encouraged to use straightforward English, avoiding complex sentences and arcane vocabulary. The emphasis is on clarity and accessibility for a global audience, including defining technical terms and expanding acronyms on first use.
• Figures and Tables: Detailed guidance is provided for incorporating figures and tables. It is recommended to ensure figures are legible in both color and grayscale for optimal reproduction in the electronic and printed formats.
• References and Citations: A systematic approach to citations and references is advocated, employing a numbered list format. The guideline underscores the need for materials cited to be publicly accessible.

Implications and Prospective Developments

The template underscores the shift towards creating a standardized format that enhances the readability and dissemination of research outputs. By facilitating a structured approach to manuscript preparation, the template helps in aligning varied submissions with the professional expectations of the SIGCHI community. This, in turn, potentially improves the accessibility and citation of published works.

In terms of future developments, there is scope for integrating automated tools for compliance checking against these formatting standards. This would reduce the manual effort involved in preparing manuscripts and ensure adherence to the prescribed guidelines. Moreover, as digital publication practices evolve, the template and its guidelines might be adapted to accommodate interactive and multimedia elements beyond static text and images.

Conclusion

This sample file and accompanying guidelines offer comprehensive instructions tailored to authors submitting to SIGCHI conferences. By following these guidelines, authors can ensure that their submissions are professionally formatted, thereby facilitating their acceptance and recognition within the scientific community. The emphasis on clarity and consistency not only enhances individual submissions but also strengthens the overall coherence and presentation of conference publications.