Understanding Reader Perception Shifts upon Disclosure of AI AuthorshipAs AI writing support becomes ubiquitous, the question of how disclosing its use affects reader perception remains critical and underexplored. We conducted a controlled study with 261 participants to examine how disclosing varying levels of AI involvement shifts perceptions of the author across six distinct communicative acts. Our analysis of 990 evaluations reveals that disclosure generally erodes perceived trustworthiness, caring, competence, and likability, with the most precipitous declines observed in social and interpersonal writing. A thematic analysis of participant feedback attributes these negative shifts to a perceived loss of human sincerity, diminished authorial effort, and the contextual inappropriateness of AI. Notably, however, we find that higher AI literacy mitigates these negative perceptions, leading to greater tolerance or even appreciation for AI assistance. Our results highlight the nuanced social dynamics of AI-mediated authorship and inform design implications for transparent, context-sensitive writing systems that better preserve trust and authenticity.2026HNHiroki Nakano et al.The University of TokyoGenerative AI (Text, Image, Music, Video)Human-LLM CollaborationAI Ethics, Fairness & AccountabilityIUI
LLM-based In-situ Thought Exchanges for Critical Paper ReadingCritical reading is a primary way through which researchers develop their critical thinking skills. While exchanging thoughts and opinions with peers can strengthen critical reading, junior researchers often lack access to peers who can offer diverse perspectives. To address this gap, we designed an in-situ thought exchange interface informed by peer feedback from a formative study (N=8) to support junior researchers’ critical paper reading. We evaluated the effects of thought exchanges under three conditions (no-agent, single-agent, and multi-agent) with 46 junior researchers over two weeks. Our results showed that incorporating agent-mediated thought exchanges during paper reading significantly improved participants’ critical thinking scores compared to the no-agent condition. In the single-agent condition, participants more frequently made reflective annotations on the paper content. In the multi-agent condition, participants engaged more actively with agents’ responses. Our qualitative analysis further revealed that participants compared and analyzed multiple perspectives in the multi-agent condition. This work contributes to understanding in-situ AI-based support for critical paper reading through thought exchanges and offers design implications for future research.2026XFXinrui Fang et al.The University of TokyoHuman-LLM CollaborationUser Research Methods (Interviews, Surveys, Observation)Prototyping & User TestingIUI
Semantic See-through Goggles: Wearing Linguistic Virtual Reality in (Artificial Intelligence)When language is used as a medium for sensory information—as when one describes a scene in words—a kind of virtual reality emerges: realities projected into the same sentence become virtual/equivalent. We call this Linguistic VR (LVR). LVR is constituted by codes shaped chiefly by majority cultural norms. In today’s world—where AI, largely built on linguistic data and processes, is deeply entangled with the everyday mediation of sensory information—it is necessary to critically re-examine the virtuality of this VR. We propose Semantic See-through Goggles, a system that makes manifest, as a first-person experience, the LVR latent in the linguistic mediation of scenes, enabling intuitive understanding and analysis of its properties and issues. The system inserts a serial image-to-text and text-to-image transformation pipeline between the camera and head-mounted display (HMD) of video see-through goggles: the live view is converted into a single line of text, then re-generated as an image, and only this mediated image reaches the wearer’s eyes. We built a prototype and validated its basic properties, followed by a qualitative analysis of wearer experiences. The results suggest that this method enables subjective experience—and thus understanding—of the transformations of environmental information, and of the attendant issues, induced by the linguistic mediation of vision. We also obtained preliminary insights into both AI-driven linguistic mediation of sensory information and problems intrinsic to linguistic mediation itself.2026GMGoki Muramoto et al.The University of TokyoGenerative AI (Text, Image, Music, Video)Human-LLM CollaborationExplainable AI (XAI)IUI
AI Personalization Paradox: Reading Highlights for Personalized AI-Assisted Writing Increases Engagement but Undermines Autonomy and OwnershipAI-assisted writing raises concerns about autonomy and ownership when benefiting writers. Personalization has been proposed as an effective solution while also risking writers' reliance on AI and behavior shifting. For better personalization design, existing studies rely on interaction and information solely within the writing phase; however, few studies have examined how reading behaviors can inform personalized writing. This study investigates the effects of integrating reading highlights for personalization on AI-assisted writing. A between-subjects study with 46 participants revealed that the personalization condition encouraged participants to produce more highlights. However, highlighting unexpectedly shifted from a sense-making strategy to an instrumental act of "feeding the AI," leading to significant reliance on AI and declines in writers' sense of autonomy, ownership, and self-credit. These findings indicate personalization risks in AI-assisted writing, emphasize the importance of personalization strategies, and provide design implications.2026PQPeinuan Qin et al.National University of SingaporeHuman-LLM CollaborationAI-Assisted Writing & Text GenerationBehavior Change & Reflection TechnologyCHI
Improving Low-Vision Chart Accessibility via On-Cursor Visual ContextDespite widespread use, charts remain largely inaccessible for Low-Vision Individuals (LVI). Reading charts requires viewing data points within a global context, which is difficult for LVI who may rely on magnification or experience a partial field of vision. We aim to improve exploration by providing visual access to critical context. To inform this, we conducted a formative study with five LVI. We identified four fundamental contextual elements common across chart types: axes, legend, grid lines, and the overview. We propose two pointer-based interaction methods to provide this context: Dynamic Context, a novel focus+context interaction, and Mini-map, which adapts overview+detail principles for LVI. In a study with N=22 LVI, we compared both methods and evaluated their integration to current tools. Our results show that Dynamic Context had significant positive impact on access, usability, and effort reduction; however, worsened visual load. Mini-map strengthened spatial understanding, but was less preferred for this task. We offer design insights to guide the development of future systems that support LVI with visual context while balancing visual load.2026YSYotam Sechayk et al.The University of TokyoVisual Impairment Technologies (Screen Readers, Tactile Graphics, Braille)Interactive Data VisualizationUncertainty VisualizationCHI
Amplifying Trigeminal Flavour: Enhancing Spiciness and Coolness by Electrical and Olfactory StimulationDigital flavour modulation represents a significant research challenge within Human-Food Interaction. Previous work has focused on modulating basic tastes, while the modulation of trigeminal sensations such as spiciness and coolness remains underexplored. Spicy and cool substances contribute substantially to the sensory appeal of food and beverages; however, their overconsumption can have adverse health effects. To enhance these trigeminal flavours without chemical additives, this study proposes an integrated multimodal approach combining electrical tongue stimulation with congruent olfactory stimuli. Unlike unimodal methods, our approach leverages the interaction between direct neural stimulation and olfactory integration to selectively modulate distinct spiciness and coolness perception. Psychophysical experiments demonstrated that our method significantly enhanced perceived coolness through combination of electrical tongue stimulation and lemon odor, and significantly enhanced perceived spiciness of a spicy solution by electrical tongue stimulation. These findings suggest that our method expands design space for digital flavour modulation and contributes to healthier and more enriched eating and drinking experiences.2026MOMasaki Ohno et al.The University of TokyoOlfactory Display & Smell InteractionGustatory Interface & Electronic TongueMultisensory Fusion ExperienceCHI
Design and Evaluation of a Photorealistic AI Virtual Peer in Elementary Collaborative ClassroomIn elementary education, students struggle to articulate uncertainties, limiting diverse perspectives in classroom discussions, particularly in small schools where limited participants constrain collaborative learning. This study designed and evaluated ``Saya,'' a photorealistic AI virtual peer functioning as an additional student. We implemented five teacher-controlled speech acts (expand, probe, summarize, lighten, and incorrect answer) through dynamic classroom dialogue generation using GPT-4o-mini. Field studies in Japanese elementary schools (large class: 27 students, small class: 2 students) demonstrated that Saya integration increased the proportion of student speaking time by 1.28 times and 2.07 times respectively, with 95.6% and 100% of students expressing desire for future Saya-integrated lessons. Teachers reported enhanced student concentration and listening behaviors, noting that interactions with Saya prompted students to reconstruct their own understanding of the learning material. This research provides new insights into design principles for collaborative learning agents in elementary education settings, effective implementation scenarios based on class size, and the future potential of AI-enhanced collaborative learning.2026STSatomi Tokida et al.The University of TokyoProgramming Education & Computational ThinkingCollaborative Learning & Peer TeachingHuman-LLM CollaborationCHI
Peeking Ahead of the Field Study: Exploring VLM Personas as Support Tools for Embodied Studies in HCIField studies are irreplaceable but costly, time-consuming, and error-prone, which need careful preparation. Inspired by rapid-prototyping in manufacturing, we propose a fast, low-cost evaluation method using Vision-Language Model (VLM) personas to simulate outcomes comparable to field results. While LLMs show human-like reasoning and language capabilities, autonomous vehicle (AV)-pedestrian interaction requires spatial awareness, emotional empathy, and behavioral generation. This raises our research question: To what extent can VLM personas mimic human responses in field studies? We conducted parallel studies: 1) one real-world study with 20 participants, and 2) one video-study using 20 VLM personas, both on a street-crossing task. We compared their responses and interviewed five HCI researchers on potential applications. Results show that VLM personas mimic human response patterns (e.g., average crossing times of 5.25 s vs. 5.07 s) lack the behavioral variability and depth. They show promise for formative studies, field study preparation, and human data augmentation.2026XGXinyue Gui et al.The University of TokyoAutomated Driving Interface & Takeover DesignExternal HMI (eHMI) — Communication with Pedestrians & CyclistsUser Research Methods (Interviews, Surveys, Observation)CHI
Don't Worry, Just Follow Me: Prototyping and In-the-Wild Evaluation of Smart Pole Interaction Unit with MobilityPedestrian–automated vehicle(AV) encounters in shared spaces often involve hesitation and ambiguity. Vehicle-mounted external human–machine interfaces(eHMIs) can help, but obscured or poorly timed communications create significant challenges. To address this, we present a mobile smart pole interaction unit(SPIU) with integrated cameras and LED displays, designed as a pedestrian-side system to deliver explicit cues(``WALK,'' ``STOP''). An in-the-wild evaluation of the SPIU(N=21) using a four-factor analysis (CarBehavior, Mobility, eHMI, SPIU) showed that the SPIU improved understandability, trust, and perceived safety, and reduced workload compared with the baseline, with a combination(eHMI+SPIU) yielding the strongest results. Beyond these quantitative benefits, participants appreciated the mobility of the SPIU for its ``clear'' and ``easy to decide'' mediation. This work contributes to(1) a design and deployment framework for a mobile SPIU and(2) an in-the-wild evaluation protocol for pedestrian–AV interactions in nonsignalized spaces. Our work sparks discussions on real world evaluations involving detailed vehicle kinematics and accessible multimodality(e.g., audio), focusing on the role of personal robots as user-side eHMIs.2026VCVishal Chauhan et al.The University of TokyoExternal HMI (eHMI) — Communication with Pedestrians & CyclistsSocial Robot InteractionTeleoperation & TelepresenceCHI
Understanding Older Adults’ Experiences of Support, Concerns, and Risks from Kinship-Role AI-Generated InfluencersAI-generated influencers are rapidly gaining popularity on Chinese short-video platforms, often adopting kinship-based roles such as "AI grandchildren'' to attract older adults. Although this trend has raised public concern, little is known about the design strategies behind these influencers, how older adults experience them, and the benefits and risks involved. In this study, we combined social media analysis with interviews to unpack the above questions. Our findings show that influencers use both visual and conversational cues to enact kinship roles, prompting audiences to engage in kinship-based role-play. Interviews further show that these cues arouse emotional resonance, help fulfill older adults’ informational and emotional needs, while also raising concerns about emotional displacement and unequal emotional investment. We highlight the complex relationship between virtual avatars and real family ties, shaped by broader sociocultural norms, and discuss how AI might strengthen social support for older adults while mitigating risks within cultural contexts.2026TSTianqi Song et al.National University of SingaporeAgent Personality & AnthropomorphismSocial Robot InteractionElderly Care & Dementia SupportCHI
No Pixel Left Behind: Filling Gaps in Anime ColorizationAnimation production workflows often involve digital colorization of line art, where small unpainted regions (``gaps'') frequently occur and remain an underexplored challenge. We conducted a formative study in Japanese animation (anime) pipelines and found that while the paint bucket tool is widely used for base coloring, tiny enclosed areas are frequently overlooked, resulting in time-consuming manual detection and filling. We introduce GapFill, a tool grounded in professional practices that reduces the effort of gap detection, zooming, and color selection. Our deep-learning method suggests appropriate fill colors by referencing surrounding regions, leveraging the flat-color nature of anime-style images. In a user study with 13 professional colorists, our system improved performance and usability in gap-filling tasks over conventional methods. The study also suggested that prediction accuracy alone is not the primary factor for usability, that appropriate colors can be contextually ambiguous, and that GapFill can complement existing tools depending on users' trust in new AI-powered assistance.2026MKMasahiro Kono et al.The University of TokyoGenerative AI (Text, Image, Music, Video)Creative Collaboration & Feedback SystemsGraphic Design & Typography ToolsCHI
Effects of Embodied Self-Distancing in Virtual Environments on Group Decision-MakingIn organizational and team decision-making, it is critical for each member to engage in discussions from a broader perspective, without fixating on personal values and knowledge. Self-distancing has been proposed as a means of supporting such a perspective; however, its role in multiparty group discussions with decision-making remains underexplored. We applied self-distancing to immersive virtual environments to examine its effects on group decision-making. A total of 144 participants (48 triads, aged 20–49) experienced two types of decision-making tasks under either a self-distanced perspective, observing their self-avatar from behind, or a self-immersed perspective, observing it from the first person. The results showed that embodied self-distancing significantly affected decision-making quality (improved consensus agreement and opinion inference accuracy), communication behavior (increased gestures regulating conversational flow), and group members’ perceptions (reduced intragroup conflict and affective interdependence). Overall, embodied self-distancing may be suitable for situations that require the prevention or mitigation of conflict but less suitable for situations that require empathy and attentive listening.2026JIJunko Ichino et al.Waseda UniversitySocial & Collaborative VRImmersion & Presence ResearchIdentity & Avatars in XRCHI
FiberDrops: Designing a Fluidic System for Dot-Based Gradient Patterns with Colored DropletsThis paper presents FiberDrops, a tubular system that generates droplet-based gradients by controlling the flow of colored liquids within transparent liquid. While previous studies have explored visual expression using droplets, FiberDrops introduces two distinctive features. First, it employs electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumps, providing a lightweight and silent alternative to conventional mechanical pumps. Second, by incorporating a custom connector based on microfluidic techniques, it generates fine droplets from parallel flows of transparent and colored liquids and enables precise density control. Compared with conventional on–off control of the pumps between colored and transparent liquids, this approach achieves finer droplet spacing, while allowing flexible variation of flow rate even for the same patterns. These capabilities enable visual effects such as continuous color transitions and dynamic motifs, expanding the expressiveness of fluid interfaces. This paper details the system’s design, fabrication, and control methods and demonstrates representative design examples.2026TKTomoka Kurosawa et al.The University of TokyoShape-Changing Interfaces & Soft Robotic MaterialsPhysical-Digital Hybrid InteractionCHI
SRL Proxemics: Spatial Guidelines for Supernumerary Robotic Limbs in Near-Body InteractionsWearable supernumerary robotic limbs (SRLs) sit at the intersection of human augmentation and embodied AI, promising to function as extensions of the human body. However, their movements within the intimate near-body space raise unresolved challenges for perceived safety, user control, and trust. In this paper, we present results from a Wizard-of-Oz study (n=18), where participants completed near-body collaboration tasks with SRLs to explore these challenges. We collected qualitative data through think-aloud protocols and semi-structured interviews, complemented by physiological signals and post-task ratings. Findings indicate that greater autonomy did not inherently enhance perceived safety or trust. Instead, participants identified near-body zones and paired them with clear coordination rules. They also expressed expectations for how different arm components should behave, shaping preferences around autonomy, perceived safety, and trust. Building on these insights, we introduce SRL Proxemics, a zone- and segment-level design framework showing that autonomy is not monolithic: perceived safety hinges on spatially calibrated, legible behaviors, not on autonomy level alone.2026HZHongyu Zhou et al.The University of SydneyHaptic WearablesHuman-Robot Collaboration (HRC)Teleoperation & TelepresenceCHI
What We Talk About When We Talk About Frameworks in HCIIn HCI, frameworks function as a type of theoretical contribution, often supporting ideation, design, and evaluation. Yet, little is known about how they are actually used, what functions they serve, and which scholarly practices that shape them. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review of 615 papers from a decade of CHI proceedings (2015-2024) that prominently featured the term framework. We classified these papers into six engagement types. We then examined the role, form, and essential components of newly proposed frameworks through a functional typology, analyzing how they are constructed, validated, and articulated for reuse. Our results show that enthusiasm for proposing new frameworks exceeds the willingness to iterate on existing ones. They also highlight the ambiguity in the function of frameworks and the scarcity of systematic validation. Based on these insights, we call for more rigorous, reflective, and cumulative practices in the development and use of frameworks in HCI.2026SFShitao Fang et al.The University of TokyoParticipatory DesignUser Research Methods (Interviews, Surveys, Observation)Research Ethics & Open ScienceCHI
Escape From Human: An Interview Study of Social VR Players Practicing Self-Expression Through Avatars that Self-Identify as “Non-Human”In social virtual reality (VR) platforms, players can embody "non-human" avatars, which are representations whose appearance or skeletal structure diverge from typical human characteristics. This capability fosters the emergence of distinctive cultures of social interaction. This paper reports on interviews with users who employ such avatars, investigating (1) motivations for their adoption, (2) their impact on social interactions, and (3) challenges encountered when employing them in social contexts. Our findings reveal that users adopt "non-human" avatars both to escape the expectations and norms associated with the human body—thereby enabling more relaxed social communication—and to gain access to new forms of embodied experience and creative self-expression. The study also provides empirical evidence and discussion on the cultures of social interaction mediated by alternative embodiments, changes in bodily perception resulting from prolonged use, functional and social challenges related to avatar use, and the design strategies and etiquette practices developed to overcome them.2026STShuto Takashita et al.The University of TokyoIdentity & Avatars in XRSocial & Collaborative VRImmersion & Presence ResearchCHI
Challenges in Synchronous & Remote Collaboration Around VisualizationWe characterize 16 challenges faced by those investigating and developing remote and synchronous collaborative experiences around visualization. Our work reflects the perspectives and prior research efforts of an international group of 29 experts from across human-computer interaction and visualization sub-communities. The challenges are anchored around five collaborative activities that exhibit a centrality of visualization and multimodal communication. These activities include exploratory data analysis, creative ideation, visualization-rich presentations, joint decision making grounded in data, and real-time data monitoring. The challenges also reflect the changing dynamics of these activities in the face of recent advances in extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI). As an organizing scheme for future research at the intersection of visualization and computer-supported cooperative work, we align the challenges with a sequence of four sets of research and development activities: technological choices, social factors, AI assistance, and evaluation.2026MBMatthew Brehmer et al.University of WaterlooInteractive Data VisualizationRemote Work Tools & ExperienceMulti-User Large Display CollaborationCHI
Touching a Cat Without Touch: Does Mid-Air Ultrasound Haptic Feedback Promote Relaxation in Virtual Cat Interaction?Human–animal interaction in virtual reality has been explored for stress relief, yet balancing practical ease of use with natural haptic experience for relaxation remains a key challenge. We investigated whether mid-air ultrasound haptics, rendering breathing and fur stroking cues without wearable haptic devices, could enhance relaxation with a virtual cat. We first conducted a perceptual study to design a tactile cue for a cat’s breathing. By synchronizing expansion–contraction of the ultrasound focal region with intensity modulation, we demonstrated the realism and expressivity of the breathing cue. Next, we conducted an application study in which participants engaged in a short relaxation session with a virtual cat. Physiological and subjective measures showed that ultrasound haptics enhanced relaxation compared to both non-haptic interaction and controller-based vibrotactile feedback. These findings suggest that ultrasound haptics can extend VR-based human–animal interaction by combining accessibility with psychological benefits, opening new opportunities for well-being and therapeutic applications.2026JHJuro Hosoi et al.The University of TokyoMid-Air Haptics (Ultrasonic)Immersion & Presence ResearchMental Health Apps & Online Support CommunitiesCHI
Can AI be a Social Buffer? Investigating the Effect of AI-assisted Cognitive Reappraisal and Narrative Perspectives on Managing Difficult Workplace Conversations over EmailIn difficult workplace email conversations, such as layoffs or resource negotiations, the absence of nonverbal cues can exacerbate negative emotions experienced by recipients. While existing tools support senders in refining tone, there is little support for processing emotionally intensive content from the receivers' side. This study investigated the use of large language models that added positive or neutral reframings, written in either first or third person, to original emails, with the aim of helping recipients view difficult conversations in a different light. In a controlled study with 132 participants, positive reframing reduced receivers' negative emotions and was rated as more helpful than neutral reframing, regardless of narrative perspective. Although reframing type did not significantly change conflict management behaviors, positive reframing led to fewer power-related words in interpretations of the email. These findings highlight opportunities and challenges for designing AI as a social buffer to facilitate difficult conversations online.2026CYChi-Lan Yang et al.The University of TokyoHuman-LLM CollaborationAffective Feedback & Emotion Regulation InterfacesAffective Human-Computer DialogueCHI
Haptic Representation Method for Material Properties utilizing Pseudo-weight ShiftingForce cues contribute significantly to the perception of material properties. Building on this principle, we propose a novel method that represents material properties utilizing pseudo-attraction force. Our method generates this perceived force in response to user motion, with a compact interface that produces asymmetric vibrations. This force sensation induces a perceived weight shift (Pseudo-weight shift), creating the perception of internal dynamics to convey the physical presence of a virtual object. System evaluations confirmed that the method produces a sensation equivalent to the inertial force of a 17.7 g mass. Furthermore, a large-scale user study and psychophysical experiment revealed that our method enables parametric control of perceived material properties, particularly viscosity, by modulating the vibration profile. This approach demonstrates that perceived force effectively substitutes for physical force, enabling vivid material representation through a compact interface and simple design. This expands the design space for expressive handheld haptics.2026MHMasaharu Hirose et al.The University of TokyoForce Feedback & Pseudo-Haptic WeightShape-Changing Interfaces & Soft Robotic MaterialsCHI