Demystifying the journey from a novice student to a seasoned researcher. A comprehensive guide exploring the fundamental principles, methodologies, and philosophies of Human-Computer Interaction.
I am a full professor in the School of Creative Media and Computer Science Department at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU), previously an Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS). I hold a PhD in computer science from the University of Toronto, a master's from UC Berkeley, and a dual undergraduate degree in computer science and biology from Linfield College, Oregon. In 2009, I founded the Synteraction Lab, focused on innovative interface tools that simplify people's lives — including Draco, which won Best iPad App of the Year in 2016. My work appears regularly in top HCI venues such as CHI, UIST, UbiComp, CSCW, and ToCHI, and I have co-chaired ACM SIGCHI in 2019, 2020, and UIST 2025. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, running, and exploring nature.
Read CV →Moving beyond the screen-locked present. We explore a world where information is seamlessly integrated into the user's perceptual field, reducing cognitive load and maximizing presence.
Find Out More →Notes on research methodology, academic life, and the future of interaction design.
Apr 13, 2026 · Personal Life
During an outreach trip to Chengdu, a visit to the Sanxingdui Museum revealed astonishing artifacts from the ancient Shu civilization, dating back three thousand years.
Apr 09, 2026 · Lab Life
Thanks to Rui and Yingyu's initiative, Synteraction Lab's weekly running and eating tradition is back — with a refreshing evening run and noodle dinner.
Apr 08, 2026 · Lab Life
A visit from Dr. Tony Tang of SMU led to energizing discussions on human-AI interaction over lunch at CityU's Bistro Lodge.
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