Qingyu (Quinn) Hu

Augmented Reality Exergame for Promoting Learning Outcomes in Sports

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

🧩 Overview

SmashMate is an AR-based badminton training system built on Microsoft HoloLens 2. By integrating a virtual coach and shadow training method, it offers an immersive experience for improving footwork precision. The system combines exergame interaction and real-time feedback to enhance engagement and training outcomes, validated through experimental studies.

📚 Publication

Under review at International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction (IJHCI).

🎯 Contributions

Designed interaction flow and exergame feedback mechanics
Developed AR training environment using Unity and HoloLens 2
Conducted user testing and analyzed performance data

Vision-Based Kinematic Tracking for Racket Sports

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

AI-Driven Multi-Agent Architecture (Deloitte China Internship)

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Spatial Computing: Robotic Point-Cloud Acquisition Simulation

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cross-Scale Gamified Learning System for Circuit Education

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

🧩 Overview

This project, developed as my Master’s thesis, explores a cross-scale gamified learning system that helps middle school students grasp abstract circuit concepts through tangible and embodied interaction. The system integrates two modules: a macro-level tabletop interface for real-world circuit construction guided by projection animations, and a micro-level first-person game where students use body movements to simulate the behavior of electrons in LC resonant circuits. By combining physical manipulation with immersive gameplay and symbolic feedback, the study demonstrates how learners can better connect operational, experiential, and theoretical knowledge. Results from classroom-based experiments show significant improvements in students’ conceptual understanding, engagement, and cognitive integration across scales.

📚 Publication

Hu, Q., Li, Z., & Chen, L. (2025). Designing a Cross-scale Gamified Learning System for Circuit Education: Bridging Macro and Micro Cognitive Scales. In Proceedings of IASDR 2025. Taipei, China.

Hu, Q. & Li, Z. (2025). “‘Seeing’ Electricity: Exploring Middle School Students’ Experiences in a Kinect-based Sound Visualization Circuit Learning Game.” HCII 2025 – Human-Computer Interaction International Conference, Late Breaking, Springer CCIS.

Full version is currently under review at IJHCI.

LLM-Supported Creative Project-Based Learning

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

🧩 Overview

This research explores how Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, can support middle school students’ creativity during project-based learning (PBL). Through an observational study and a week-long instructional experiment with 31 students, the study identified five design considerations and proposed a novel LLM-empowered PBL program. Results show that LLMs can support all phases of PBL—from idea discovery to final presentation—by boosting creative self-efficacy and providing personalized, real-time feedback. The study also discusses students’ ambivalent perceptions of LLMs and highlights design implications for integrating AI tools into educational settings.

📚 Publication

Zha, S., Qiao, Y., Hu, Q., Li, Z., Gong, J., & Xu, Y. (2025). Designing child-centric AI learning environments: Insights from an LLM-powered creative project-based learning study. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 103602. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2025.103602

🎯 Contributions

Conducted user interviews and thematic analysis
Co-designed the 48-hour instructional program
Supported on-site study coordination and data collection
Assisted in manuscript writing and figure design

Classroom activity (left) and synthesized framework of ambivalent perspectives on LLMs in creativity (right).

Chinese Ink Painting-themed Cave Automatic Virtual Environment

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

🧩 Overview

This project is an immersive installation in ink wash style that presents Chinese cosmology. The installation uses Kinect to capture the viewer's eye position, allowing the ink wash space to adjust its perspective in real-time based on the viewer's standing position, thereby enhancing the immersive experience.

🏆 Awards

2024 MUSE Creative Awards — Gold Winner
2024 French Design Awards
Selected for the 62nd Milan Design Week Asian Art Exhibition

🎯 Contributions

3D modeling in Blender
Unity-based scene development
Kinect integration and debugging
Immersive narrative design

Program Ambient Heat Transfer Behaviors on Objects through Fluidic Composites

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

🧩 Overview

Thermaterial is a novel composite material system that enables the programmable control of ambient heat transfer through embedded fluidic structures. By integrating fluid channels filled with different thermal agents into everyday objects, users can dynamically manipulate heat retention and dissipation properties. This research introduces a fabrication method and simulation tool that allow designers to shape thermal experiences in space and on surfaces—potentially transforming how we design comfort, interaction, and responsiveness in physical environments. Applications include personalized thermal zones, responsive furniture, and energy-efficient designs.

📚 Publication

Yu, T.; Fan, Y.; Zhang, Z.; Hu, Q.; Xu, W.; Mi, H.; Mueller, S. (2024). “Thermaterial: Program ambient heat transfer behaviors on objects through fluidic composites.” In Extended Abstracts of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA ’24), 1–8.

🎯 Contributions

Contributed to design ideation and prototype fabrication
Participated in user experiments on thermal haptics and data collection

Social Robot for Hybrid Meeting Engagement

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

🧩 Overview

This project explores how robot-mediated communication can enhance the presence of remote participants in hybrid group discussions. We designed two types of telepresence robots: Buzzo, a minimal motion-based presence bot, and Eureka, a socially expressive robot capable of emotional gestures. Through two field studies involving classroom and conference settings, the research examines how physical embodiment, social signaling, and spatial positioning influence the integration, perceived presence, and participation equity of remote users. The results suggest that expressive robots like Eureka significantly enhance engagement, making remote participants feel more “present” in hybrid interactions.

📚 Publication

Zhao, Z.; Chen, Y.; Hu, Q.; Ma, S.; Li, H.; Guo, Y.; Mi, H. (2023). “Buzzo or Eureka—Robot that Makes Remote Participants Feel More Presence in Hybrid Discussions.” In Companion of the 2023 ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI ’23 Companion), 323–327.

Ma, S.; Hu, Q.; Chen, Y.; Zhao, Z.; Li, H. (2023). “Social bots that bring a strong presence to remote participants in hybrid meetings.” In Companion of HRI ’23, ACM, 853–856. DOI: 10.1145/3568294.3580200.

🎯 Contributions

Robot behavioral design and prototyping
Coordination and execution of user studies
Qualitative video analysis
Co-authored both publications

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000