Talk Title:Understand, Predict, and Enhance User Behavior in Mixed Reality

Speaker:  Yukang Yan, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, University of Rochester

Location: HBK 2105 and Zoom

Abstract:  My research focuses on the enhancements in human computer interaction in Mixed Reality. As the integration of digital and physical worlds through Mixed Reality expands the interaction space beyond traditional screens, it has a significant impact on how users perceive and interact with the world. Through user studies, I observe and model the behavioral and perceptual patterns of users as they interact with Mixed Reality. Based on the findings, I design and develop interaction techniques that are tailored to these behavioral changes in order to facilitate user input and information display. Additionally, I explore augmentation methods that allow users to surpass their capabilities in the real world, such as embodying healthier virtual avatars or non-humanoid avatars to gain unique experiences not possible in reality.

Bio:  I’m an Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science, University of Rochester. I serve as co-director of ROCHCI Group and lead BEAR Lab. I’m part of the AR/VR Initiative at University of Rochester as a participating faculty. Prior to this, I worked as a postdoc in Augmented Perception Lab at Carnegie Mellon University. I got my Ph.D. degree from Tsinghua University. My research is focused in the intersection area of Human-Computer Interaction and Mixed Reality. I publish at ACM CHI, UIST, IMWUT, and IEEE VR, with two Best Paper Honorable Mention Awards from CHI 20 and 23, and one Best Paper Nominee Award from VR 23. I served as CHI 23 Late-Breaking Work Co-Chair, UIST 24 Registration Co-Chair.