Human–computer interaction
Understanding how people interact with digital systems, with attention to usability, agency, and everyday experience.
HIT Lab NZ · University of Canterbury
Jichun ZhaoElliot Chiu赵季淳 / 趙季淳
PhD Candidate & DISC101 Tutor
Designing accessible augmented reality for older adults and cultural heritage.
I work at the intersection of human–computer interaction, handheld AR, and digital cultural heritage. My research explores how immersive experiences can support meaningful participation across different abilities, communities, and life stages.
01 / Research
Inclusive interaction. Meaningful experiences.
My research asks how handheld augmented reality can become more usable and accessible for older adults, particularly in cultural heritage settings.
Handheld AR & accessibility
Exploring readable interfaces, approachable interactions, and comfortable mobile AR experiences for older adults.
Digital cultural heritage
Connecting people with cultural stories and knowledge through immersive interpretation and digital preservation.
Research interests HCI · Handheld AR · Older adults & ageing · XR accessibility · Digital cultural heritage
02 / Projects
Research in practice
Research area
XR Accessibility
Research on inclusive extended reality systems, accessible interaction patterns, and evaluation methods for immersive technologies across diverse abilities and contexts.
Doctoral research focus
Handheld AR for Older Adults
Exploring handheld augmented reality experiences for older adults, with attention to usability, accessibility, embodied interaction, and everyday value.
Research area
Digital Cultural Heritage
Digital approaches for documenting, interpreting, and sustaining tangible and intangible cultural heritage through interactive, immersive, and community-facing media.
Museum AR collaboration
Rewi Alley Museum AR
An augmented reality museum interpretation concept that connects visitors with Rewi Alley-related heritage through situated storytelling and mobile interaction.
Research grant
Digital Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage through Art–Technology Integration
A Jiangsu postgraduate research innovation grant investigating digital approaches to intangible cultural heritage preservation through art–technology integration.
03 / Publications
Writing & scholarship
Publications on design, digital preservation, and intangible cultural heritage.
- 2026
Journal Article
Protecting and Transmitting Intangible Cultural Heritage through Rural Revitalization: The Mazhuang Sachet Case
Zhao, J. (2026). Protecting and transmitting intangible cultural heritage through rural revitalization: The Mazhuang Sachet case. Journal of Xuzhou Institute of Technology (Social Sciences Edition), 41(1), 9–16.
A 2026 case study of the Mazhuang sachet tradition that connects living heritage, rural revitalization, and sustainable cultural development.
- 2025
Journal Article
Digital Preservation Pathways for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Xuzhou
Ding, F., & Zhao, J. (2025). Digital preservation pathways for intangible cultural heritage in Xuzhou. 创意设计源, 2025(4), 32–36.
Proposes a regional preservation pathway linking cultural context with digital collection, 3D modelling, public display, and participation.
- 2024
Journal Article
Designing Digital Museums for Intangible Cultural Heritage with Spatial Computing
Zhao, J., & Ding, F. (2024). Designing digital museums for intangible cultural heritage with spatial computing. Designs, 2024(2), 108–111.
Explores how spatial computing can support new forms of preservation, interpretation, and public access in digital museums.
- 2024
Conference Paper
Practical Approaches to Intangible Cultural Heritage in Rural Revitalization: The Mazhuang Sachet Case
Zhao, J. (2024). Practical approaches to intangible cultural heritage in rural revitalization: The Mazhuang Sachet case. Proceedings of the 2024 Annual Conference on Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Uses the Mazhuang sachet tradition to examine how heritage resources can be reactivated within rural revitalization.
- 2024
Journal Article
Protecting and Transmitting Intangible Cultural Heritage through Rural Revitalization
Zhao, J., & Ding, F. (2024). Protecting and transmitting intangible cultural heritage through rural revitalization: The Mazhuang Sachet case. Humanistic Economics Studies, 1, 200–213.
Develops practice-oriented pathways for sustaining the Mazhuang sachet tradition through community and rural development.
- 2023
Journal Article
New Reflections on Modern Design Criticism
Zhao, J., & Ding, F. (2023). New reflections on modern design criticism. Art and Technology, 2023(7), 109–111.
Examines the theoretical form, contemporary role, practical value, and educational significance of design criticism.
- 2020
Journal Article
Integrating Emotional Education into University Art Education
Zhao, J. (2020). Integrating emotional education into university art education. Education Digest, 35(22), 171.
Examines the value of emotional education in university art teaching and strategies for integrating it into appreciation, creative practice, and design activities.
04 / Experience
Research, teaching & education
Oct–Dec 2026 Current
Visiting Research
Research Institute of Electrical Communication (RIEC), Tohoku University
Sendai, Japan
Current
PhD Candidate
HIT Lab NZ, University of Canterbury
Human–computer interaction, accessible handheld AR, and digital cultural heritage.
Current
Tutor · DISC101
Digital Storytelling
Faculty of Arts, University of Canterbury
2022–2025
Master’s Degree in Art · Design Studies
Tsinghua University and Jiangsu Normal University
Jul–Aug 2023
Summer School
School of Design, Jiangnan University
Jun–Jul 2023
Summer School
Nanjing Normal University
2018–2022
Bachelor’s Degree in Art · Digital Media Art
Jiangsu Normal University
05 / Professional community
Professional memberships
- MemberIEEE
- MemberChina Industrial Design Association
- MemberInternational Youth Art Design Association
- MemberChina Folklore Society
06 / Academic exchange
Ideas in conversation
Immersive Interaction Design and User Experience Challenges in Digital Cultural Heritage
29 April 2026 · University of Canterbury and 21 sub-venues in China · Hybrid lecture
Read event coverage
Immersive Interaction Design and User Experience Challenges in Digital Cultural Heritage
29 April 2026 · University of Canterbury · Post-lecture group photo
Read event coverage
Invited Academic Sharing at a Chinese Consulate Event
20 June 2026 · Invited guest speaker · Academic sharing at the Dragon Boat Festival gathering
Invited Academic Sharing at a Chinese Consulate Event
20 June 2026 · Dragon Boat Festival gathering for overseas Chinese students and scholars · Group photo
Forum on Digital Technology and Frontiers in Literary and Artistic Research · 9th Annual Meeting of the New Media Culture Research Branch
2023 · Research discussion
2023 Jiangsu Postgraduate Forum on Digital Art and the Human Living Environment
2023 · Conference presentation
2023 Jiangsu Postgraduate Forum on Digital Art and the Human Living Environment
2023 · Conference group photo
5th Zijin Cultural Industries Forum and Annual Meeting of the China Cultural Industry Management Professional Committee
Conference presentation
Forum on Digital Technology and Frontiers in Literary and Artistic Research · 9th Annual Meeting of the New Media Culture Research Branch
2023 · Conference group photo
China Folklore Society 40th Anniversary Conference and 2023 Annual Meeting
2023 · Conference group photo
2023 International Academic Conference Series IV: Wisdom for Livelihoods, Design for the Future
2023 · Conference group photo
2023 Summit Forum on Design Discipline Development and Talent Education in the New Era
2023 · Conference group photo
Jiangsu Postgraduate Design Innovation Forum on Integrating Art and Engineering in the New Era
Conference session
Symposium on Intangible Cultural Heritage Transmission, Cultural Communication and Chinese Brand Development
Conference group photo
07 / Engagements
Selected Engagements
Community service, educational exchange, and professional connections beyond my research.
Dialogue with the scholarship council delegation
Participated in a dialogue in Christchurch with the visiting delegation led by Hu Wei, Secretary-General of the China Scholarship Council.
University partnership renewals
Witnessed the renewal of CSC cooperation agreements with the University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, the University of Waikato and Auckland University of Technology at the Chinese Consulate-General in Christchurch.
Appreciation for volunteer service
Received a letter of appreciation from the Chinese Consulate-General in Christchurch for volunteer reception support during the November 2025 visit of Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress.
National Day reception
Attended the Chinese Consulate-General in Christchurch’s reception marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Pictured with Deputy Consul-General Xu Haiyuan.
08 / Contact
Let’s connect.
For conversations about HCI, accessible AR, cultural heritage, or research collaboration, please get in touch.
jichun.zhao@pg.canterbury.ac.nzAffiliation
HIT Lab NZ
University of Canterbury
Christchurch, New Zealand
Languages
English · Chinese · Cantonese