Jichun ZhaoElliot Chiu

HIT Lab NZ · University of Canterbury

Jichun ZhaoElliot Chiu

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.

Explore my research View CV
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Portrait of Jichun Zhao (Elliot Chiu)
Based in Christchurch, New Zealand

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.

Human–computer interaction

Understanding how people interact with digital systems, with attention to usability, agency, and everyday experience.

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

All projects

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 concept

Rewi Alley Museum AR

An augmented reality museum interpretation concept that connects visitors with Rewi Alley-related heritage through situated storytelling and mobile interaction.

03 / Publications

Writing & scholarship

All publications

Publications on design, digital preservation, and intangible cultural heritage.

  1. 2026

    Journal Article

    Practical Approaches for the Protection and Inheritance of Intangible Cultural Heritage from the Perspective of Rural Revitalization: A Case Study of Xuzhou Mazhuang Sachets

    Zhao, J. (2026). Practical approaches for the protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage from the perspective of rural revitalization: A case study of Xuzhou Mazhuang Sachets. Journal of Xuzhou University of Technology (Social Sciences Edition).

  2. 2025

    Journal Article

    Research on Digital Preservation Pathways for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Xuzhou

    Ding, F., & Zhao, J. (2025). Research on digital preservation pathways for intangible cultural heritage in Xuzhou. Creative Design Source, 2025(4), 32–36.

  3. 2024

    Conference Paper

    Practical Approaches to the Inheritance and Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Context of Rural Revitalization: A Case Study of Mazhuang Sachets in Xuzhou, Jiangsu

    Zhao, J. (2024). Practical approaches to the inheritance and protection of intangible cultural heritage in the context of rural revitalization: A case study of Mazhuang Sachets in Xuzhou, Jiangsu. Proceedings of the 2024 Annual Conference on Intangible Cultural Heritage.

  4. 2024

    Journal Article

    Design of Digital Museums for Intangible Cultural Heritage Based on Spatial Computing Technology

    Zhao, J., & Ding, F. (2024). Design of digital museums for intangible cultural heritage based on spatial computing technology. Beauty & Times, 2024(5), 108–111.

  5. 2024

    Journal Article

    Practical Approaches for the Protection and Inheritance of Intangible Cultural Heritage from the Perspective of Rural Revitalization: A Case Study of Xuzhou Mazhuang Sachets in Xuzhou

    Zhao, J., & Ding, F. (2024). Practical approaches for the protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage from the perspective of rural revitalization: A case study of Xuzhou Mazhuang Sachets in Xuzhou. Humanistic Economics Studies, 1, 200–213.

  6. 2023

    Journal Article

    New Perspectives on Contemporary Design Criticism

    Zhao, J., & Ding, F. (2023). New perspectives on contemporary design criticism. Art and Technology, 36, 109–111.

04 / Experience

Research, teaching & education

Full CV

Current

PhD Candidate

HIT Lab NZ, University of Canterbury

Human–computer interaction, accessible handheld AR, and digital cultural heritage.

Current

Tutor · DISC101

Storytelling for Digital Screens

Dovedale Campus, 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

06 / Academic exchange

Ideas in conversation

Academic Exchange
Jichun Zhao presenting research on immersive cultural heritage to an audience at the University of Canterbury.

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

07 / Contact

Let’s connect.

For conversations about HCI, accessible AR, cultural heritage, or research collaboration, please get in touch.

Affiliation

HIT Lab NZ
University of Canterbury
Christchurch, New Zealand

Languages

English · Chinese · Cantonese