Characterizing HCI Research in China: Streams, Methodologies and Future Directions

TL;DR

This paper characterizes Chinese HCI research, highlighting current streams and methodologies, and suggests future directions emphasizing macro-HCI, third paradigm, cultural factors, and inclusive approaches.

Contribution

It provides the first characterization of Chinese HCI research, analyzing current focus areas and proposing future research directions based on a survey and theoretical frameworks.

Findings

Chinese HCI research has less focus on Macro-HCI topics.

Limited attention to the third HCI paradigm in Chinese publications.

Future directions include emphasizing macro-HCI, third paradigm, and cultural considerations.

Abstract

This position paper takes the first step to attempt to present the initial characterization of HCI research in China. We discuss the current streams and methodologies of Chinese HCI research based on two well-known HCI theories: Micro/Marco-HCI and the Three Paradigms of HCI. We evaluate the discussion with a survey of Chinese publications at CHI 2019, which shows HCI research in China has less attention to Macro-HCI topics and the third paradigms of HCI (Phenomenologically situated Interaction). We then propose future HCI research directions such as paying more attention to Macro-HCI topics and third paradigm of HCI, combining research methodologies from multiple HCI paradigms, including emergent users who have less access to technology, and addressing the cultural dimensions in order to provide better technical solutions and support.