Shuchang Xu

About Me

Hi! I’m a PhD student in Computer Science at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, advised by Prof. Huamin Qu at VisLab. My research focuses on creating AI-Powered interactive systems to enhance visual accessibility for blind and low vision users. I’m also broadly interested in augmenting human abilities for diverse populations.

Before my PhD studies, I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tsinghua University, including an M.S. in Computer Science (advised by Prof. Yuanchun Shi), a B.E. in Electrical Engineering, and a second B.A. in Digital Meida Art. I also spent two years working as a software product manager at Xiaomi Corporation.

News

• [July 2025] Three full papers have been conditionally accepted to UIST 2025! 🎉 This includes one first-author paper on 360° video accessibility and two collaborative papers on human-AI collaboration. Congratulations to all co-authors!
• [April 2025] Our paper DanmuA11y: Making Time-Synced On-Screen Video Comments (Danmu) Accessible to Blind and Low Vision Users via Multi-Viewer Audio Discussions received the Best Paper Honorable Mention Award at CHI 2025🏅. Congratulations to all collaborators!
• [August 2024] Our paper Memory Reviver: Supporting Photo-Collection Reminiscence for People with Visual Impairment via a Proactive Chatbot has been accepted by UIST 2024. Thank all the co-authors and participants for your invaluable support!

Research Overview

As a systems researcher in Human-Computer Interaction, I create AI-powered interactive systems that enhance visual accessibility and augment human abilities in three core areas:

1. Multi-Modal AI Systems for Accessible Visual Media: I build multi-modal machine learning pipelines that enable BLV users to engage with various forms of visual media, such as online video comments (CHI 2025, best paper honorable mention), 360° videos (UIST 2025, to appear), and personal photo collections (UIST 2024). These systems empower BLV users to enjoy visual content more deeply and immersively.

2. Multi-Sensory Interfaces for Real-World Navigation: I develop wearable systems that leverage multi-sensory feedback—such as on-body haptics (IMWUT 2020), handheld vibrations (CHI 2021), and head-mounted light cues (IMWUT 2021)—to support navigation for BLV users. These interfaces help users follow paths smoothly and accurately in real-world environments.

3. AI-Powered Interactive Learning Support: Beyond visual accessibility, I explore how human-AI systems can enhance self-directed learning and problem-solving for broader populations. Two collaborative projects will appear at the UIST 2025 paper track.

Publications

Game Projects

Beyond my research, I design indie games that encourage players to explore new knowledge, reflect on social issues, and reimagine how we engage with the digital world. These projects include:

Awards

• [Apr. 2025] Best Paper Honorable Mention Award at CHI 2025
• [Apr. 2024] Hong Kong Postgraduate Fellowshop Scheme (HKPFS)
• [Jun. 2021] Outstanding Graduates in Computer Science and Technology, Tsinghua University
• [Oct. 2020] National Scholarship for Postgraduates
• [Oct. 2019] National Scholarship for Postgraduates
• [Dec. 2017] Microsoft Design Contest for Mixed Reality, 2nd place
• [Oct. 2017] National Scholarship for Undergraduates