Jichen Zhu

Jichen Zhu is a Full Professor in Human-Computer Interaction and Design at IT University of Copenhagen, where he leads the Procedural eXpression Lab. His research focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and design, with particular emphasis on explainable AI, user-centered design, and AI in creative processes.

His research interests span multiple domains within human-AI interaction:

• Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) and transparent AI systems
• AI in design and creative processes
• Human-centered AI and user experience
• Game design with AI elements
• Player modeling and personalization in games
• Well-being technologies and health applications of AI

Professor Zhu's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on bridging the gap between AI capabilities and human understanding. His work combines theoretical insights with practical applications in gaming, design, and health contexts, often exploring how AI can enhance human creativity while maintaining transparency and user control.

Professor Zhu has received several prestigious awards for his research:

• Best Paper Award at the 2021 Conference of Foundation of Digital Games (FDG'21)
• Best Paper Award Finalist in 2022
• Honorable Mention Paper Award at the 2021 Conversational User Interface Conference (CUI'21)

He serves as Principal Investigator for the ExPAI (Explainable Personalization AI for Health and Well-Being) project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (2021-2027), exploring how explainable AI can personalize health interventions while maintaining transparency. Professor Zhu also contributes significantly to the academic community through editorial roles at IEEE Transactions on Computational Intelligence and AI in Games and as Conference Chair for the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.

As Head of the Procedural eXpression Lab, Professor Zhu leads research that develops innovative approaches to human-AI collaboration in creative domains, focusing on how AI can support human creativity while preserving user agency and understanding.