We are excited to announce that we are organizing a pre-CHI event at IIS Lab (Interactive Intelligent Systems Laboratory, UTokyo) on April 25th. Eleven researchers outside IIS Lab will share their research (12 min pre + 3 min Q&A) and students from IIS Lab will also show demos after the talks.
Access
In-person / 対面
The location is in Eng. Bldg. 2 in Hongo Campus. The details will be available on the email sent to you after RSVP.
Online / オンライン
We live-stream the talk sessions via Zoom. You may receive the details of how you watch the live-stream after your RSVP. Note that the streaming of first session is limited to UTokyo students and staff.
Schedule
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Meet up and research discussions over lunch (A limited number of lunch boxes will be provided to registrants on a first-come-first-served basis.) |
| 12:30 – 12:35 | Welcome remarks by Koji Yatani |
| 12:35 – 13:50 | Talks #1 (live-streaming is only available to UTokyo students and staff) |
| 13:50 – 14:30 | Coffee Break |
| 14:30 – 16:00 | Talks #2 (live-streaming is available to the general public via Zoom) |
| 16:00 – 18:00 | Demos and research socialization at IIS Lab |
Talks #1 (streaming only to UTokyo)
1. User Involvement in the Design of Intelligent Virtual Agents
Emma Mainza Chilufya
PhD Student
Linköping University
Abstract
This talk presents a case study on the design of a reading robot (BookBot) involving fourth-grade pupils. The study employed human-centred design (HCD) methods and tools throughout the concept generation and prototyping phases. Initial concepts were generated with active participation from the users, leading to the development of prototypes using the Furhat robot.
2. Bridging Realities: Creating New XR Experiences with Tablets, Phones, and AI
Fabrice Matulic
Senior Researcher & Assistant Professor
Preferred Networks & University of Waterloo
Abstract
In this talk, I will present some of our recent research exploring the potential of readily available devices like tablets and mobile phones, coupled with the power of deep learning and generative AI, to create engaging interactive experiences in extended reality. Through concrete examples from our work, I will showcase how the unique capabilities of these devices and technologies can enable more intuitive and creative cross-space interactions and XR applications across various domains, such as artistic expression, design, entertainment, and well-being. I will discuss the challenges involved in creating such experiences and how AI can play a crucial role in enhancing and personalising them.
3. Lessons from Designing Generative AI for Concept Artists and Interior Designers
Wen-Fan (Vann) Wang
Master Student
National Taiwan University
Abstract
I will share key lessons learned—both from successes and failures—in designing, deploying, and attempts at commercializing two generative AI systems: RoomDreaming (CHI ’24) for interior designers and AIdeation (CHI ’25) for concept artists. RoomDreaming accelerates preliminary interior design by generating photorealistic concepts tailored to individual homeowner preferences, substantially reducing design time and effort. AIdeation supports professional concept designers for films, games, and television by enabling iterative ideation—including brainstorming, reference image research, and recombination—which significantly enhances creativity and efficiency.
4. Coproducing Parenting: Exploring Technology for New Parents’ Collaboration and Closeness
Ya-Fang (Avon) Lin
PhD Student
Pennsylvania State University
Abstract
New parents often face challenges in maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship, balancing collaboration, support, and emotional connection. This talk presents two research themes that explore and inform the design of technology for co-parenting: (1) understanding new parents’ co-parenting strategies, challenges, and tools, and (2) designing technology to foster both collaboration and closeness in co-parenting. I will demonstrate how my work informs the design of co-parenting technologies by centering parents’ lived experiences, expanding the design space beyond coordination to also support emotional well-being and connection.
5. Designing the Next Generation of AI-powered Game Experiences
Minji Kim
PhD Student
Seoul National University
Abstract
Advances in AI have enabled new possibilities in game design, fostering novel game experiences through diverse modalities, interactions, and dynamic generation. My vision is to realize dynamically generative games, providing emergent experiences beyond predefined mechanics. In this talk, I will introduce my ongoing research on AI-powered game design. I would like to discuss key design implications in designing AI-driven game interactions, mixed-initiative game creation, and dynamic game behavior generation. I will also highlight key challenges in developing AI-powered games, including uncertainty, explainability, and the tension between authored and emergent gameplays.
Talks #2 (streaming to public)
6.Prosociality Towards AI Agents
Zicheng Zhu
Post-doc Fellow
National University of Singapore
Abstract
Helping others boosts human well-being, but does this benefit extend to assisting artificial intelligence? Our recent study reveals that helping AI agents significantly reduces feelings of loneliness in humans. More remarkably, when AI interactions satisfy our fundamental psychological needs for competence and autonomy, participants experienced not only decreased loneliness but also enhanced positive emotions. These findings open new pathways for designing AI systems that can actively contribute to human psychological wellness and social fulfillment.
7. The Role of Generative AI Chatbots in Social Media Polarisation
Jarod Govers
University of Melbourne
PhD Student
Abstract
The meteoric rise of Generative AI offers numerous opportunities to help find information and remediate online conflict. However, people are increasingly reliant on chatbots and GenAI to get information and to automate tasks. This presentation covers my recent work in my HCI PhD at the University of Melbourne, with a special focus on two recent studies on how biased chatbots can inadvertently alter our opinions and trust in online news information. It considers a recently published study which investigated how biased news chatbots are more persuasive and trustworthy than legacy news media. Furthermore, the second study focused on how anthropomorphic features can enhance a user’s susceptibility to bias through variations of anthropomorphic features, ranging from standard GPT-4o to a custom chatbot companion called Amalie. Our findings highlight that anthropomorphic design can make a chatbot more persuasive and trustworthy – even when it is pushing a hidden indoctrinating agenda.
8. Designing and Deploying Next-Generation Health Technologies: Producing Actionable Insights from Novel Biomarkers
Richard Li
University of Washington
PhD Student
Abstract
The ubiquity of computing devices presents a growing opportunity to collect more personal health data than ever. I seek to leverage this personal health data to guide the next generation of home health monitoring technology to maximize patient outcomes. Towards this end, my work involves identifying and characterizing novel biomarkers, designing systems to reliably measure these signals and provide actionable insights, and deploying these systems into homes and integrating them into clinical practice. In this talk, I will illustrate this approach through three projects. First, I will present Beacon, a system enabling patients to objectively self-measure their cognitive state, thus supporting their ability to autonomously adjust medication dosage. Then, I will show how ExerciseRx, an interactive exercise feedback system, enables patients to self-monitor progression in their movement patterns and functional abilities. Finally, I will show how PARX builds upon ExerciseRx and closes the gap between patients and healthcare providers by enabling providers to generate and tailor exercise plans to individual needs. I will conclude by discussing ongoing work in translating each of these projects into the real world as well as outlining future directions for computing research in health.
9. Bridging the Gap: Mixed Reality Interactions for Seamless Blending of Virtual and Real Worlds
Hyuna Seo
Seoul National University
PhD Student
Abstract
The applications of mixed reality are increasingly integrating into our everyday lives, often requiring users to shift between virtual and real-world content. Imagine, while relaxing by a beautiful virtual ocean, you may want to sip from your real coffee mug on the desk, requiring constant attention shifts between the immersive virtual world and the physical world. This frequent transition demands a high cognitive load, hindering users from fully benefiting from the virtual experience. This gap between the virtual and real worlds emerges because they are too distinct, making seamless interaction difficult. In this talk, I will introduce systems for mixed reality interaction that bridge this gap, presenting two recent works: the use of everyday real-world objects and emotional expression in social interaction. I propose that seamless blending of virtual and real worlds ultimately relies on a fine-grained understanding of the user’s context, enabling dynamic adaptation of the interaction experience.
10. Designing for Engagement: Tailoring Therapy Activities in Digital Mental Health
Bruna Oewel
University of California, Irvine
PhD Candidate
Abstract
Mental health activities conducted by patients between therapy sessions are a component of addressing anxiety and depression. However, to be effective, therapy activities must be tailored to the client’s needs to address the numerous barriers they encounter in everyday life. In this study, we analyze how therapists and clients tailor therapy activities to their client’s needs. We interviewed 13 therapists and 14 clients about their experiences tailoring and engaging in therapy activities. We present how therapy activities get adapted, such as through changes in difficulty or by identifying alternatives. We outline implications for designing interactive intelligent systems that can adapt mental health interventions according to criteria such as client skills, discomfort, and external barriers. This approach aims to empower individuals to overcome barriers, sustain engagement, and achieve improved mental health outcomes through personalized support.
Registration
Please register yourself from the following form.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBZdJyYS0xJGshMSHuQWioWCS1ts7WLFq9BN3KbRSoEhovVw/viewform
The registration may stop if we have more people than planned. So your early registration would be helpful!