By Donghoon Shin, HCDE PhD student
Attending ACM UIST 2025 in Busan was a truly special experience for me, not only because it’s the top venue for technical HCI research, but also because it was held in my hometown. Returning to Busan for the conference felt both nostalgic and energizing. The combination of the familiar coastal scenery, the warmth of local food, and the global community of HCI researchers made for an unforgettable week. The venue, located near Haeundae Beach, offered a beautiful backdrop that balanced intense academic discussions with refreshing ocean views.
During the conference, I had the opportunity to present three works across the main program and the adjunct track. The first was PosterMate, a paper co-authored with Daniel Lee, Gary Hsieh, and Gromit Yeuk-Yin Chan. This work, which was done during my internship project at Adobe Research, explored how generative agents could act as design collaborators that mimic potential audiences and provide feedback in real time. The feedback was incredibly positive; several attendees mentioned how it might affect other design domains in the future as well.
The second work, ImaginateAR, was a collaborative effort with an international team spanning multiple institutions. We showcased how AI models can assist creators in designing immersive AR experiences directly in their physical environment. The session drew a large crowd, with many attendees staying long after the session to try the system hands-on.
Lastly, I presented ThematicPlane in the Poster Session, which sparked deep discussions about how AI models can better interpret user intent. The feedback I received from both academics and industry practitioners was invaluable.
Beyond the conference halls, reconnecting with old friends, showing colleagues around my hometown, and enjoying late-night dinners in Haeundae made the trip personally meaningful. Overall, UIST 2025 in Busan was a perfect blend of academic inspiration and hometown pride.
Give to support HCDE student travel
The Mary B. Coney Endowed Fund, named in honor of Emeritus Professor Mary Coney, supports HCDE students by funding costs associated with travel to conferences and international workshops. Your support of this fund enriches the HCDE student experience and enhances HCDE's influence in the field.