Dr. Jiaxin Zhang is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing at the Southern University of Science and Technology. She obtained her Ph.D. from the School of Design at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2021 and subsequently served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow from 2021 to 2022.

Dr. Zhang’s research primarily focuses on human factors and ergonomics, human–computer interaction, and assistive technologies. Her work is dedicated to advancing human-centered intelligent technology design to enhance human well-being. She has led multiple research projects at the national, provincial, and municipal levels and has produced substantial research outputs, including over 30 publications indexed by SCI, SSCI, and EI. Her work has been published in leading journals in the field of human–computer interaction, such as International Journal of Human-Computer Studies (IJHCS), International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction (IJHCI), and Computers in Human Behavior (CHB).

Dr. Zhang currently serves as a council member of the China Ergonomics Society and as a reviewer for several international journals and conferences in related fields.

Education Background

Bachelor of Engineering, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology

Master of Engineering, School of Design, South China University of Technology

PhD, School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Working Experience

2021-2022, Postdoctoral fellow, School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

2022-present, Assistant Professor, School of System Design and Intelligent Manufacturing, Southern University of Science and Technology

Research Area

• Human Factors and Ergonomics: Human perception and behavior modeling, Ergonomics for Aging

• Human-Computer Interaction: AR/VR interface; affective interaction; Assistive technology

Selected Publications

(*Corresponding author)

[1] Zhang, J., Ding, Y., Zhang, H., Zhang, S., Wei, X., Li, Q., & Zhang, J.* (2025). An experimental study on embodiment forms and interaction modes in affective robots for anxiety relief and emotional connection. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 103584.

[2] Zhang, J., Zhang, H., Ding, Y., & Zhang, J.* (2025). Awareness of Qi: Enhancing Motor Learning of Chinese Kung Fu Through Interactive Visual Effects and Haptic Cues. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 1-21.

[3] Li, Q., Chen, X., Chen, Y., Ma, Y., & Zhang, J.* (2025). Can a Robot Care for Me? Exploring Chinese Older Adults’ Preferences and A Priori Acceptance of Home Healthcare Robots Through the Senior Technology Acceptance Model. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 1-24.

[4] Zhang, J., Wang, H., Li, Q., & Luximon, Y.* (2024). What is the real-life experience of older adults on smart healthcare technologies? An exploratory interview study. Gerontology, 70(9), 978-990.

[5] Li, Q., Luximon, Y., & Zhang, J.* (2023). The Influence of Anthropomorphic Cues on Patients’ Perceived Anthropomorphism, Social Presence, Trust Building, and Acceptance of Health Care Conversational Agents: Within-Subject Web-Based Experiment. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e44479.

[6] Zhang, J., Luximon, Y., Pang, M. Y., & Wang, H.* (2022). Effectiveness of exergaming-based interventions for mobility and balance performance in older adults with Parkinson’s disease: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Age and ageing, 51(8), afac175. DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac175

Awards

2022, (Pengcheng Peacock Plan), Shenzhen Government

2021/22, Outstanding Student Project Award 2021/22 at PhD Level, Hong Kong Ergonomics Society, Hong Kong

2016-2019, Research Postgraduate Scholarship, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong