Yao-Cheng Chan

Mixed-methods UX Researcher with a Ph.D. in Information Science and over six years of experience advocating for user needs through rigorous behavioral research. Skilled in leveraging qualitative interviews, usability testing, and quantitative metrics to uncover deep user insights and map complex user journeys. Proven ability to translate human-machine interactions into user-centered design recommendations, mitigating user friction, and optimizing the overall user experience across both digital interfaces and physical environments.

Graduate Research Assistant: Robot User Experience at The University of Texas at Austin | Living and Working with Robots Research Group (2022-08 – Present)

Directed a three-phase mixed-methods research program to evaluate user experience of autonomous systems and develop design guidelines.

User-Centered Design Guidelines: Directed a three-phase mixed-methods research program (n=411) to evaluate the user experience of autonomous systems in physical environments, generating design guidelines that ensure systems behave in a socially conform and predictable manner.

Usability & Behavioral Testing: Led large-scale quantitative user testing (n=385) and in-person validation (n=26) to assess human-machine communication strategies. Translated behavioral data into actionable insights, proving that active intent signaling significantly improves user cooperation and overall satisfaction.

Generative User Research: Conducted in-depth qualitative research, developing an original theoretical model of incidental user encounters. Synthesized qualitative user feedback to help design teams predict and mitigate user uncertainty, creating more socially adequate user experiences.

Graduate Research Assistant: Human Factors at The University of Texas at Austin | Information eXperience (IX) Lab (2020-08 – 2022-08)

Evaluated user interactions during web search tasks by analyzing eye-gaze and mouse-movement patterns.

• Behavioral UX Research: Evaluated user interactions during web search tasks by analyzing eye-gaze and mouse-movement patterns, utilizing these behavioral metrics to assess cognitive load and identify underlying cognitive states.

User Researcher at National Chengchi University | Dept. of Management Information Systems (2019-08 – 2020-07)

Evaluated complex digital search interfaces and investigated user trust with embodied systems.

• Information Architecture: Evaluated complex digital search interfaces by utilizing behavioral models and eye-tracking to quantify user search strategies, delivering data-driven recommendations to reduce user cognitive load.
• User Trust & Engagement: Investigated user trust and interaction with embodied systems, demonstrating how specific machine personality traits directly enhance user satisfaction and the overall service experience.

UX Research Consultant (Contract) at BNP PARIBAS (2019-08 – 2020-07)

Advocated for user needs through applied eye-tracking usability studies on complex digital layouts.

• User Comprehension Optimization: Advocated for user needs by leading applied eye-tracking usability studies to assess visual attention on complex digital layouts. Standardized internal user evaluation protocols to embed user-centric thinking across cross-functional teams.

Teaching Assistant at The University of Texas at Austin | School of Information (2020-08 – Present)

Supported course instruction and assisted students in mastering user evaluation techniques.

• Supported course instruction across multiple semesters for classes including User Behavior, Human-Computer Interaction, and Human Factors.
• Assisted students in mastering user evaluation techniques, usability testing methodologies, and user-centered design principles through interactive workshops and lab demonstrations.

Ph.D. in Information Science (Focus: HCI and User Experience) – The University of Texas at Austin (2020-08 – 2026-05)

M.B.A & B.B.A in Information Management – National Sun Yat-Sen University (2012-09 – 2018-06)