Topic 1: Visualization and Interaction Techniques in Extended Reality Environments
Project Description: Extended reality (XR), encompassing virtual, augmented, and mixed reality, transforms how users interact with and visualize complex data. Unlike traditional 2D displays, XR enables spatial exploration, natural interactions, and immersive data engagement. However, designing effective visualization and interaction techniques in XR presents challenges such as occlusion, depth perception, and interaction intuitiveness. To address these, we explore adaptive visualization methods, multimodal interaction techniques, and seamless transitions between user inputs. Our goal is to enhance data comprehension, interaction fluidity, and user experience in XR environments, making data exploration more intuitive and effective.
Topic 2: Visual Abstraction and Composition for Complex Data Understanding
Project Description: Real-world data often exhibit complex structures and diverse formats, including high-dimensional attributes and detailed 3D representations. Interpreting such data imposes a substantial cognitive load, making it difficult for users to extract meaningful insights. This project investigates how AI can assist human understanding by automatically abstracting complex, heterogeneous data into expressive and interpretable visual forms. It focuses on three key directions: generating meaningful visual abstractions that highlight essential information, composing multiple visualizations into coherent representations, and developing adaptive visualization pipelines that respond to user intent and context. The research aims to create AI-assisted frameworks that bridge machine reasoning and human cognition, enabling users to understand complex data with greater clarity, efficiency, and insight.
Funding, Requirements and How to apply.
Funding: The PhD studentship is available for four years subject to satisfactory progress by the student. The award covers tuition fees for three years (currently equivalent to RMB 80,000 per annum). It also provides up to RMB 16,500 to allow participation at international conferences during the period of the award.
Degree: The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.
Requirements:
The candidate should have a first class or upper second class honour‘s degree, or a master’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in Data Visualization / Human-Computer Interaction / Computer Graphics / Computer Science / Software Engineering or a closely related area.
Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants are advised to email me (Lingyun.Yu@xjtlu.edu.cn) the following documents for initial review and assessment (please put the project title in the subject line).
- CV
- Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
- Verified school transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)