Hsiao Peng Wei | E-Learning | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hsiao Peng Wei | E-Learning | Best Researcher Award

Hsiao Peng Wei is a lecturer at the Faculty of Art and Design, Macao Polytechnic University, specializing in interactive design, digital experiences, and cultural sustainability. He holds a Ph.D. in Design from Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan, where he also served as a research assistant on several national and industry-academic projects. During his doctoral studies, he was an exchange researcher at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman in Malaysia, contributing to virtual 3D environment projects. Previously, he held a faculty position at Macau University of Science and Technology. Hsiao has led multiple funded research projects focused on sustainability, digital heritage, and learning technologies. His interdisciplinary work has been recognized with numerous awards and international collaborations. A prolific academic, he has published in SSCI, Scopus, and EI-indexed journals, with 183 citations. His pedagogical contributions extend to mentoring students in award-winning design competitions across the Greater Bay Area.

Profile

Education šŸŽ“

Hsiao Peng Wei completed his Ph.D. in Design from Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan, in 2018. His doctoral studies emphasized interactive media and digital integration with cultural contexts, during which he collaborated internationally as an exchange scholar at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman in Malaysia. There, he engaged in immersive virtual 3D environment research. In addition to his doctoral education, he gained practical experience assisting in five research projects ā€” including three national science and technology projects and two industry-academic partnerships ā€” that shaped his methodological approach and interdisciplinary perspective. His educational path laid a strong foundation for future teaching and research endeavors in digital art, e-learning systems, and cultural heritage. This academic background also led him to assume an editorial role in reputed international conferences and journals, further strengthening his position in the global academic community.

Experience šŸ‘Øā€šŸ«

Dr. Hsiao Peng Wei has over a decade of academic and research experience in design and digital innovation. Currently a lecturer at Macao Polytechnic University, he teaches digital experience and interactive design courses. Prior to this, he served as an assistant professor at Macau University of Science and Technology, contributing to research and teaching in the Faculty of Humanities and Arts. His career highlights include leading major funded projects on sustainability, intangible cultural heritage, and digital learning. He has collaborated with international academic institutions like Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, as well as industry partners such as Chazence Technology and the Chinese Academy of Forestry. His leadership extends beyond teaching ā€” he has mentored student teams to success in regional and international competitions and plays active roles in academic peer review and professional associations in Taiwan and Macao.

Awards & Recognitions šŸ…

Hsiao Peng Wei has received multiple awards recognizing his academic and creative excellence. He is a seven-time recipient of the international Best Paper Award in design and interactive learning conferences. His research article, published in Interactive Learning Environments, ranked in the top 5% of the Education & Educational Research field. He has guided student teams to win prominent accolades, including the Copywriting Award in the 2023 Greater Bay Area Branding Design Competition, and Champion in the 2023 Carbon Neutral City Creative Competition. He serves as a reviewer for Asia Pacific Viewpoint (SSCI, Q1) and IASDR, reflecting his standing in the scholarly community. He is a director at the Macao International Art and Health Association and a member of the Taiwan Amoeba Design Association. These recognitions demonstrate his consistent contributions to digital design innovation, sustainability, and cultural integration.

Research Interests šŸ”¬

Dr. Hsiaoā€™s research revolves around interactive design, digital experience, and cultural heritage preservation through technology. He integrates e-learning, multimedia, and gamified platforms with traditional cultural content to promote sustainability and heritage awareness. His recent focus includes blending health, sports, and sustainability into immersive digital learning environments. As the principal investigator, he leads projects such as the FDCT-funded study on surplus food and service design in Macau, a university-funded project on digital art applications for intangible heritage, and the LOHAS digital community revitalization initiative. His work bridges academic research, real-world impact, and interdisciplinary collaboration, involving institutions like the Chinese Academy of Forestry and Chazence Technology. He leverages interactive digital tools to enhance cultural storytelling, educational outcomes, and environmental consciousness, aligning his work with global goals for sustainable development and creative innovation

Publications

  • Integrating Sustainable Concepts into Blended Learning and Interactive Game System Design

    Engineering Proceedings
    2025-05 |Ā Journal articleĀ |Ā Author
    DOI:Ā 10.3390/engproc2025092059
    CONTRIBUTORS:Ā HSiAO;Ā Zheng-Qing Wang
  • Hsiao, P. W., Wang, Z. Q. (2025). Integrating Sustainable Concepts into Blended
    Learning and Interactive Game System Design, Engineering Proceedings, 92(1), 59;
    https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025092059. (Scopus, IF:0.7, CiteScore:0.9).
  • Hsiao, P. W., Kong, L. Q., Ye, Y. L. (2024). Interactive Game Experience: A preliminary
    investigation of the impact of virtual reality on exercise rehabilitation
    behaviors, Interactive
  • Xu, S., Hsiao, P. W., Li C., and Zhang J. Y. (2024). Delicious Cyber Ghost: Using
    Pepperā€™s Ghost in Computer-Aided Design to Enhance Cantonese Morning Tea
    Education, Engineering Proceedings, 74(1),
    78. https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2024074078. (Scopus, IF:0.7, CiteScore:0.9).
  • Su, Y., Hsiao, P. W., Fan, K. K. (2023). Investigating the relationship between users’
    behavioral intentions and learning effects of VR system for sustainable tourism
    development, Sustainability, 15 (9), 7277. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097277.
    (SCI & SSCI, Q2, IF:3.9, CiteScore:5.8) (Scopus).
  • Luo Y. J., Hsiao, P. W. (2023). Design of interactive learning materials with concept
    of sustainability integrated into Macau Drunken Dragon Dance, Engineering
    Proceedings, 38(1), 12, 1-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2023038012.
    (Scopus, IF:0.7, CiteScore:0.9).
  • Hsiao, P. W., Su, C. H. (2021). A Study on the Impact of STEAM Education for
    Sustainable Development Courses and Its Effects on Student Motivation and
    Learning, Sustainability, 13 (7), 3772. DOI:
    https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073772. (SCI & SSCI, Q2, IF:3.8,
    CiteScore:5.8) (Scopus).

Zhao Tianjiao | Design Education | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zhao Tianjiao | Design Education | Best Researcher Award

Zhao Tianjiao is an Associate Professor in the Visual Art Department at Tianjin University and a Master’s Degree Supervisor in Industrial Design. He holds a Ph.D. in Design from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and has extensive experience in research on user experience, design thinking, and deep learning applications in design. His work focuses on emotion-embedded design, creative idea generation, and intelligent design tools. He has published numerous SCI/SSCI-indexed research papers and has led several national research projects in China. šŸŽØšŸ“ššŸ”¬

Profile

Education šŸŽ“

Zhao Tianjiao completed his Bachelorā€™s (2009) and Masterā€™s (2011) degrees in Mechatronics Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology. He pursued his Ph.D. in Design (2015) from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He was also a Visiting Scholar (2013-2014) at National Taiwan University, where he explored interdisciplinary research in design and planning. His education provided a strong foundation in integrating engineering, design, and user experience methodologies. šŸŽ“šŸ“–šŸ’”

Experience šŸ‘Øā€šŸ«

Zhao Tianjiao began his academic career as a Lecturer (2016-2020) in the Visual Art Department at Tianjin University. He was later promoted to Associate Professor (2021-present) and has been a Masterā€™s Degree Supervisor (2017-present) in Industrial Design. His teaching focuses on User Experience Design, Design Thinking, and Animation Derivative Design. Over the years, he has contributed to curriculum innovation and research-driven education. šŸŽ­šŸ‘Øā€šŸ«šŸ“

Awards & Recognitions šŸ…

Zhao Tianjiao has been recognized for his academic excellence and teaching contributions. He received the Tianjin University Elite Scholar Program Award, was selected for the Tianjin 131 Talent Project, and won Second Prize in the Tianjin University Youth Teacher Lecture Competition. Additionally, he was honored with the Excellent Guide Teacher Award at the National College Digital Art and Design Awards. šŸ…šŸŽØšŸŽ–ļø

Research Interests šŸ”¬

His research explores emotion-driven design, deep learning applications in creative design, and user experience optimization. He investigates how AI can enhance design processes and has led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects on design big data, creative education, and intelligent product development. His work bridges the gap between human emotions and AI-driven design methodologies. šŸ¤–šŸŽØ

PublicationsĀ 

1. Zhao T.J.,Jia J.Y., Zhu T.F.,Yang J.Y.(2023 Accept).Research on emotion-embedded design fow based on deeplearningtechnology. International Journal of Technology and Design Education. (SCI/SSCI)

2. Zhao T.J.,Zhang X.Y.,Zhang H.C.,Meng Y.F.(2023 Accept), A study on users’ attention distribution to product featuresunderdifferent emotions.Behaviour & Information Technology.(SCI/SSCI)

3. Zhao T.J.,Yang J.Y.ļ¼ŒZhang H.C.ļ¼ŒKin Wai Michael Siu (2019).Creative idea generation method based on deeplearningļ¼ŒInternational Journal of Technology and Design Education,2021,31, 421-440. (SCI/SSCI)

4. Zhao, T.J., & Siu, K. W. M. (2015). The needs of quality urban rail transit life in an Asian metropolitan city. Applied ResearchinQuality of Life, 10(4):647~665.(SSCI)

5. Zhao, T.J., & Siu, K. W. M. (2014). The Boundaries of Public Space: A Case Study of Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway.
International Journal of Design, 8(2), 43-60. (SCI/SSCI )

6. Zhao T.J., Zhang H.C., Yang J.Y. (2018). Research on theDesign Form Exploring Method from Daily Life: ExplorationandPractice on the Teaching of Form Design Course. ZHUANGSHI, 306(10), 104-107. (CSSCI)

7. Zhao T.J.,Chen M.J.,Liu W.F.(2022).Research on Image Retrieval Optimization Based on Eye Movement Experiment
Data,Journal of Education and Training Studies, 10(4).

8. Zhao T.J., Zhang H.C.,Pan L.(2021).The Teaching Reform of User Experience Design under the NewEngineeringBackgroundā€”ā€””Multy Integration”Curriculum Model Practice,Creation and Design,2021(5):7.

9. Yang J.Y.,Zhao, T.J., Zhang H.C.(2020).Visual strategy boosts service design.Tsinghua Publishing.

10. Zhao, T.J., Zhu, T.F.(2019). Exploration of product design emotion based on three-level theory of emotional design, Advancesin Intelligent Systems and Computing, v 1018, p 169-175. (EI Conference)

11. Zhao T.J., Siu K W M, Sun H.(2017). Discovering subway design opportunities using social network data: Theimage-need-design opportunity model. International Conference on Social Computing and Social Media. Springer, Cham, 2017, 451-466. (EI Conference)

12. Zhao, T.J., and Kin Wai Michael Siu (2017). The Production of URT Public Space: People, Occupation, and PracticeintheHong Kong Mass Transit Railway. The International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design .11(3): 35-48.

13. Zhao T. J, Gao K, Li X, et al(2017). Deep Learning based Design Image Management: Proceedings of the International
Conference on Environmental Science and Sustainable Energy,Ed.by ZhaoYang Dong[M]// ESSE 2017. 453-461.

14. Zhao, T.J., & Siu, K. W. M. (2014). Freedom and Control: A state of balance in public space. Facilities, 32(11/12), 606-623.

15. Zhao T. J., Siu K. W. M.(2012). The role of subway in the urban life: Case study in Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway. Humanities and Social Sciences Review, 2012.

Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

šŸ”¬ Grazia Ragone is a researcher in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on autism and interactive systems. šŸ« She earned her PhD from the University of Sussex, UK, where she investigated social motor synchrony in autistic children through motion capture and sonification. šŸŽ¼ With a background in psychology, developmental science, and music therapy, she integrates interdisciplinary methods into assistive technology. šŸ’» She has extensive teaching experience in research methods, cognitive science, and HCI at the University of Sussex. šŸ† Her research has been recognized with multiple international awards, including Microsoft Researchā€™s Best Student Research Competition. šŸŒ She actively contributes as a reviewer and associate chair for HCI conferences and journals. šŸ“– Her work bridges psychology, technology, and education, aiming to enhance accessibility and interaction for neurodiverse individuals.

Profile

Education šŸŽ“

She completed her PhD in 2023 at the University of Sussex, UK, where her research focused on autism, motion capture, and social motor synchrony. Prior to this, she earned an MSc in Psychological Methods from the University of Sussex in 2018, with a focus on autism and interactional features. She also holds an MPhil in Developmental Psychology from London Metropolitan University (2015), specializing in child development and interaction. In 2014, she completed her BSc in Developmental Psychology at London Metropolitan University, studying early cognitive and social development. She further enriched her expertise with a Masterā€™s in Music & Art Therapy from Tor Vergata University in Rome (2006), where she focused on therapeutic interventions for individuals with special needs. Her academic journey began with a BA in Humanities from the University of Pavia, Italy (2004), where she studied philosophy, linguistics, and cultural studies.

Experience šŸ‘Øā€šŸ«

From 2019 to 2023, she worked as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Sussex, UK, where she taught Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), research methods, and professional skills. Prior to this, she served as a Research Assistant at the University of Sussex (2016-2018), focusing on technology designed for neurodiverse children. From 2014 to 2016, she conducted research on autism and interactive environments at London Metropolitan University. Earlier in her career, she was a Research Assistant at CNR-ISTI Pisa, Italy (2008-2014), where she contributed to the development of assistive software for autistic children. Her experience also includes working as a Music Therapist for the Rome City Council (2005-2010), providing therapeutic interventions for autistic children. Additionally, from 2010 to 2019, she worked as a Trainer and Consultant, conducting workshops and training programs for professionals in the field of autism.

Research Interests šŸ”¬

Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and autism, developing interactive systems to support neurodiverse individuals. She explores the role of music and sonification in enhancing motor and social skills through auditory feedback. Her work also includes investigating social motor synchrony using motion capture technology. She designs AI-powered assistive technology to support autistic children and applies user-centered design principles to create accessible interfaces for individuals with special needs.

Awards & Recognitions šŸ…

She has received several prestigious awards and honors for her contributions to autism research and assistive technology. In 2021, she was awarded the Best Student Research Award by Microsoft Research at the ASSETS Conference. Her work was also recognized with the Best Work in Progress Award at the IDC Conference on autism research in 2020. In 2013, she received the Horizon Research Award from London Metropolitan University for outstanding research. Her contributions to autism research earned her a Massachusetts Senate Citation in 2012, and in 2011, she was honored with the Rotary Club Research Award from CNR Pisa for excellence in autism studies.

Publications šŸ“š

  • Ā Supporting and understanding autistic childrenā€™s non-verbal interactions through OSMoSIS, a motion-based sonic system
    International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction
    2025-02 |Ā Journal article
    DOI:Ā 10.1016/j.ijcci.2025.100726
    CONTRIBUTORS:Ā Grazia Ragone;Ā Judith Good;Ā Kate Howland

  • Child-Centered AI for Empowering Creative and Inclusive Learning Experiences

    Proceedings of ACM Interaction Design and Children Conference: Inclusive Happiness, IDC 2024
    2024 |Ā Conference paper
    DOI:Ā 10.1145/3628516.3661157

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85197894406

    Part ofISBN:Ā 9798400704420
    CONTRIBUTORS:Ā Ragone, G.;Ā Ali, S.A.;Ā Esposito, A.;Ā Good, J.;Ā Howland, K.;Ā Presicce, C.

  • Designing Safe and Engaging AI Experiences for Children: Towards the Definition of Best Practices in UI/UX Design

    arXiv
    2024 |Ā Other
    DOI:Ā 10.48550/arXiv.2404.14218

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85192517180

    Part ofĀ ISSN:Ā 23318422
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ragone, G.; Buono, P.; Lanzilotti,

Gerardo Fernandez | Eye tracking | Excellence in Innovation

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Dr. Gerardo Fernandez | Eye tracking | Excellence in Innovation

Gerardo Abel FernĆ”ndez šŸ‡¦šŸ‡·, born on October 29, 1976, in BahĆ­a Blanca, Argentina, is a researcher specializing in neuroscience and cognitive science šŸ§ . He is a professor and adjunct researcher at CONICET, focusing on eye movement-based biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases šŸ‘€. His work integrates philosophy, cognitive psychology, and technology to advance Alzheimerā€™s diagnosis šŸ„.

Profile

Education šŸŽ“

šŸŽ“ Gerardo Abel FernĆ”ndez obtained a degree in Philosophy (2003) from Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Argentina, with a specialization in Logic and Epistemology. He later pursued a PhD in Philosophy (2011) at UNS, with his thesis titled “Dynamic word processing during reading: Mental strategies driving visual exploration”, earning a perfect 10/10 with special mention. His academic journey includes postdoctoral research as a fellow at AGENCIA (ANPCYT) and the DAAD Max Planck Institute in Berlin. His educational background bridges philosophy, neuroscience, and cognitive psychology, forming a solid foundation for his pioneering research in eye movement analysis and Alzheimerā€™s biomarkers. His expertise in cognitive science and technological innovation has led to the development of diagnostic tools for early neurodegenerative disease detection. šŸ“ššŸ”šŸ§ 

Experience šŸ‘Øā€šŸ«

šŸ’¼ Dr. Gerardo Abel FernĆ”ndez has extensive experience in neuroscience research and technological innovation. He served as a Professor of Audiovisual Language at UNS (2011ā€“2013) and is currently an Adjunct Researcher at CONICET, focusing on non-endemic degenerative pathologies. He has worked as a Visiting Scholar at Heriot-Watt University and Strathclyde University (UK), contributing to the development of eye-tracking biomarkers for Alzheimerā€™s disease. Dr. FernĆ”ndez is also a scientific reviewer for prestigious journals like PlosOne, Journal of Alzheimerā€™s Disease, and Neuropsychologia. As CTO of Viewmind, he leads biocognitive and functional performance measurement innovations. He has patented cognitive evaluation methods and received grants from institutions like ANPCYT and DAAD. His interdisciplinary expertise spans cognitive neuroscience, machine learning applications in diagnostics, and technological development for neurodegenerative disease assessment. šŸ…šŸ”¬šŸ‘ļø

Research Interests šŸ”¬

šŸ”¬ Dr. Gerardo Abel FernĆ”ndez specializes in cognitive neuroscience, neurodegenerative disease biomarkers, and eye-tracking technology. His research focuses on early Alzheimerā€™s detection through oculomotor behavior analysis. He has developed innovative methods to study visual exploration, reading difficulties, and memory impairments in neurodegenerative conditions. His work integrates machine learning and artificial intelligence for cognitive assessment tools. As a Visiting Scholar in the UK, he contributed to developing biomarkers for Alzheimerā€™s disease. His patented eye-tracking system has clinical applications in detecting mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimerā€™s disease. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, exploring predictive eye movement models and their correlation with cognitive decline. His cutting-edge research bridges philosophy, neuroscience, and technology, offering non-invasive diagnostic solutions for early-stage neurodegeneration. His ultimate goal is to revolutionize cognitive healthcare through technological innovation. šŸ§ šŸ‘ļøšŸ“Š

Awards & Recognitions šŸ…

šŸ† Dr. Gerardo Abel FernĆ”ndez has received numerous awards for his contributions to neuroscience, cognitive evaluation, and Alzheimerā€™s diagnostics. His eye-tracking research for Alzheimerā€™s detection earned the Dr. JosĆ© Borda Clinical Psychiatry Prize at the 22nd International Congress of Psychiatry. He won the Novartis Innovation Award for his work on measuring cognitive performance in health and disease. As CTO of Viewmind, his team received international recognition, including the Fit4Start Luxembourg Award for health applications and the Medica Innovation Prize in DĆ¼sseldorf. His research and patented cognitive evaluation equipment have been acknowledged by ANMAT (Argentinaā€™s National Administration of Drugs, Foods, and Medical Technology) and INPI (Argentinaā€™s National Patent Office). Dr. FernĆ”ndez’s groundbreaking innovations in neurocognitive assessments have positioned him as a leading figure in technological advancements for early Alzheimerā€™s detection. šŸ…šŸ§ šŸ”¬

Publications šŸ“š

  • Oculomotor behaviors and integrative memory functions in the alzheimer’s clinical syndrome

    Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease
    2021 |Ā Journal article
    DOI:Ā 10.3233/JAD-201189

  • A non-invasive tool for attention-deficit disorder analysis based on gaze tracks.

    ACM International Conference Proceeding Series
    2019 |Ā Conference paper
    DOI:Ā 10.1145/3309772.3309777

  • Microsaccadic behavior when developing a complex dynamical activity

    Journal of Integrative Neuroscience
    2018 |Ā Journal article
    DOI:Ā 10.3233/JIN-170057

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85053731401