How to create compelling CHI paper titles: The secret formulas revealed

Ever stared at a blank screen, wondering how to craft the perfect title for your research paper? You’re not alone. As a professor who’s reviewed hundreds of papers, I’ve seen titles that rock like Metallica and titles that… well, let’s just say they could use some work.

Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on what makes a title stand out in the competitive world of CHI papers (that’s the BIG Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) conference for the uninitiated). But yes, titles. You know, that tiny chunk of text that can make or break your chances of getting noticed in an ever-expanding sea of run-of-the-mill research. Yeah, to get a better idea of what title patterns we see in award-winning papers, I forked them over to my trusty AI sidekicks (Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini) to get their take on the secret patterns behind those best paper titles. Let me tell you, the insights are gold. And it was a fun exercise.

So, put on those reading glasses, and let’s decode the DNA of top-tier research paper titles. Trust me, by the end of this newsletter, you’ll be crafting titles that make peer reviewers sit up and take notice. Here are the 7 killer formulas that will have the review committee eating out of your hand and begging for more.

Seven Powerful Title Formulas to Capture Eye Balls

After letting my LLMs run wild over the title examples I fed them, I’ve identified seven key patterns that dominate the CHI context. Let’s break them down:

1. Colon Combos

Pattern:

Example:

This is the heavyweight champion of CHI titles. It’s also the most common. The colon combo grants you the flexibility to capture the essence of your work in a concise, attention-grabbing main title, and then use the subtitle to thoroughly explore the specifics of your topic. It’s like a one-two punch: the main title grabs attention, and the subtitle delivers the specifics. It’s popular for a reason — it works.

2. Bold Statements

Pattern:

Example:

Straight to the point, no fluff. This title pattern is all about conveying the core of your research in a clear, compelling way. Slap your main finding front and centre. Science is, after all, the abstraction of simple principles from complex data. Titles that boldly state the key contribution or finding of your work are often the most impactful. Nobody’s got time for cryptic titles. Be direct. Be unforgettable. This pattern tells readers exactly what you’ve discovered. It’s confident, clear, and compelling. If your study has yielded a strong, definitive conclusion, this is the way to go.

3. Curiosity Sparks

Pattern:

Example:

Less common, but when done well, it can be incredibly effective. Slap a question mark on that title and watch the magic happen. This pattern is all about harnessing the power of curiosity. It’s instant intrigue. You pose a tantalizing question that your research aims to address, instantly drawing the reader in. Titles like this feel more narrative in nature, inviting the audience to join you on an intellectual journey. And when you deliver a satisfying answer in the paper, it’s like hitting a home run.

4. Gerund Gymnastics

Pattern:

Example:

This pattern puts your research process front and centre. Titles that kick off with a gerund (a verb ending in -ing) showcase the active, hands-on nature of your work. It’s all about the verbs, baby! These titles feel more dynamic. They point to the methodologies that generated your findings. Crafting titles that emphasize the “doing” rather than the “being” can make your work feel more engaging, innovative, and impactful. It shows that your work is actively contributing to the field.

5. Concise Concepts

Pattern:

Example:

Sometimes, less is more. Forget the frills — this pattern oozes pure substance. This pattern trades flashy style to zero in on the core concept or framework of your paper — no muss, no fuss. We’re talking short and concise word groupings that capture the heart of your work. Titles like these are memorable and impactful. They act as yummy little clues that get your curiosity going, hinting at the juicy insights you’ve uncovered. This pattern works well when you have a clear, focused research topic that can be summed up succinctly.

6. Acronym Artifacts

Pattern:

Example:

This pattern is like giving your research its own superhero name. You start with a catchy acronym or tool name, then use the colon to explain its superpowers. Titles like this feel cutting-edge and tech-savvy. They show off the cool new systems or prototypes you made for your research in a memorable way. Plus, let’s be real — we all love a good acronym. It’s memorable branding that’ll stick in your mind like gum on a hot sidewalk. An acronym you won’t forget even if you tried. These titles tap into the reader’s inner tech nerd and make your work sound totally legit and on-trend. Yes, admittedly, it’s a bit cheesy but perfect for showcasing any nifty new tools or systems you’ve cooked up. It gives your creation a catchy identity while clearly naming its value and contribution to the field.

7. Journey Mappers

Pattern:

Example:

This pattern is like crafting a mini-story in your title. It shows readers the journey your research takes, from point A to point B. It’s perfect for studies that explore transitions, evolutions, or comparisons. The “from-to” structure gives your title a natural flow and narrative arc. The pattern screams transformation. It’s like a straightforward progression with an unmistakable beginning and ending. Think epic personal evolution or cutting-edge tech breakthroughs. It hints at the broader themes and implications of your work. This pattern is ideal for showing the transformative nature of your findings or the pivotal insights you’ve uncovered. It feels almost poetic, guiding readers through the arc of your research like a mini-epic. Use this pattern when your research tracks changes over time or compares two distinct states. It’s particularly effective for studies on user experiences, technological developments, or shifts in methodologies.

Pro tip: Make sure your “X” and “Y” are distinct and intriguing. The contrast between them should make readers curious about the journey you’re presenting.

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Words Matter

Now that we’ve got the structures down, let’s talk about the building blocks — the words themselves. Here’s what makes CHI titles tick:

1. Clarity. Avoid jargon and complex terms unless they’re absolutely necessary (e.g., acronyms). Anyone in your field should be able to understand your title.
2. Keywords. Include relevant keywords that reflect your research content. This isn’t just for human eyes; it helps with discoverability in databases too.
3. Action Verbs. Words like “Exploring,” “Designing,” and “Evaluating” add energy to your title and show the active nature of your research.
4. Concise. Every word should earn its place. If you can say it in fewer words without losing meaning, do it.
5. Hyphenations. Don’t be afraid to use hyphenated adjectives like “context-aware” or “user-centered” to pack more meaning into less space.
6. Framework. Frameworks are like Raymond. Everybody loves them. Terms like “framework,” “taxonomy,” “approach,” and “model” signal to readers that you’re contributing something structured and substantial to the field. And HCI loves those guidelines.

Action Steps: Upgrade Your Titles

Ready to craft your own CHI-worthy title? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose your pattern. Pick one of the seven patterns that best fits your research. A colon combo is a safe bet if you’re unsure.
2. Inject Action. Use strong verbs to describe what your research does.
3. Sprinkle keywords. Include 1–2 key terms that are crucial to your research area.
4. Be specific. Avoid vague language. Tell readers exactly what you studied or discovered.
5. Keep it tight. Aim for 10–15 words total. If it’s longer, see what you can cut.
6. Test it out. Read your title aloud. Does it flow? Does it accurately represent your work?

It takes some practice to get your title just right. Don’t sweat it if the first draft isn’t flawless; that’s totally normal. But with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting titles that really grab people’s attention and get you noticed in academic circles.

A great title is your research paper’s first impression. It’s worth taking the time to get it right. Ever noticed how the length, punctuation, word choice, and prepositions in research article titles can make or break how a paper declares its purpose and content? Yeah, it’s that important. While some key title traits are pretty straightforward, others require a more nuanced, field-specific understanding.

So, next time you’re staring at that cursor, wondering how to encapsulate months of work in a single line, remember: you’ve got this. Apply these insights, trust your instincts, and watch your research make waves in the CHI community.

And let me know if you’d like a more general breakdown of how to do these types of title analyses with your favourite LLMs. Happy title writing and good luck with your submissions. Liked this post? Leave a tip.