PhD in Computer Science and Technology

Post-doctoral Researcher

Brief Introduction

Dr. Qian Zhigu is a human-computer interaction researcher with dual backgrounds in social sciences and computer science and technology. Her research focuses on age-friendly intelligent interaction, primarily covering multimodal large model-based information understanding and contextual perception, as well as affective computing-based social-emotional interaction systems for older adults.She has published multiple papers in top-tier international conferences and journals in human-computer interaction and artificial intelligence, including CHI, CSCW, Ubicomp/IMWUT, and EMNLP, with her work gaining international recognition. Notably, her CSCW 2024 paper received the DEI Recognition (the first case of a mainland Chinese student as first author). In terms of practical applications, her age-friendly voice interaction prototype won the Silver Award at the China International College Students' Innovation Competition (Shanghai) in 2024.

Dr. Qian has been actively involved in the international human-computer interaction community, serving as a reviewer for top-tier conferences and journals including CHI, CSCW, IMWUT, and UIST. Her research develops along two main lines: first, characterizing the participation barriers faced by older adults in digital society through systematic user studies and constructing interaction requirement models for older adults; second, transforming cutting-edge AI technologies into verifiable and reusable age-friendly interaction solutions and engineering prototypes, promoting the practical implementation of inclusive computing and social equity. Her overall research work emphasizes the balance between theory and implementation, committed to human-centered intelligent interaction and sustainable development of ubiquitous artificial intelligence.

Research

Human-Computer Interaction

Age-friendly Design

Intelligent Interaction Design

Inclusive Design

Accessibility Design

Academic and social post

Member of China Computer Federation (CCF)

Reviewer for ACM CHI, UIST, CSCW, and IMWUT conferences and journals

Education Background

2017.09-2025.06  Doctor of Science (PhD) in Computer Science and Technology， Fudan University

2013.09-2017.06  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology，East China Normal University

Work Experience

2025.07-present  Post-doctoral Researcher，College of Design and Innovation，Tongji University

Publications 

[1] Qian, Z., Fu, J., & Zhou, Y. (2025). Seeking a Sense of Meaning and Companionship in Life: Informal Learning on Douyin Among Chinese Older Adults. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 9(CSCW), 1-24. (First author, CCF Class A Conference)

[2] Qian, Z., Fu, J., & Zhou, Y. (2025). Exploring Cultural and Intergenerational Dynamics in Voice Assistant Design for Chinese Older Adults. Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies, 9(1), 1-18. (First author, CCF Class A Journal)

[3] Qian, Z., Fu, J., & Zhou, Y. (2024). Gaining Technological Autonomy and Socio-emotional Support: A Case Study of How and Why Chinese Older Adults Engage with a Semi-acquaintance Online Community. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 8(CSCW2), 1-35. (First author, CCF Class A Conference)

[4] Qian, Z., Fu, J., & Zhou, Y. (2024, May). Overcoming Barriers, Achieving Goals: A Case Study of an Older User's Technology Autonomy. In Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (pp. 1-7). (First author, CCF Class A Conference)

Honors and Awards

[1] 2024 ACM CSCW DEI Recognition (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award)

[2] 2024 Silver Award, China International College Students' Innovation Competition (Shanghai Division)

Contact

Email: qianzhigu@tongji.edu.cn

Web: https://zhiguqian.github.io/