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Hyochang Kim

Research Director, Center for Sustainable Development and Global Competitiveness

BioI am the Research Director of the Human-Urban Interaction (HUI) pillar at the Stanford Center at the Incheon Global Campus (SCIGC), where my research explores the intersection of humans, technology, and urban environments. My work focuses on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), Human-AI Interaction (HAI), and next-generation mobility systems. I develop design concepts, models, and interaction frameworks that enable intuitive, adaptive, and trust-based experiences with emerging technologies in smart cities. This includes work on autonomous delivery robots, AI-driven services, and inclusive UX strategies that support user adoption and acceptance in complex urban systems.

My approach integrates human factors engineering, cognitive psychology, big data analytics, and metaverse-based experimentation to model and optimize interactions across both physical and digital spaces. By combining empirical research with computational analysis, I aim to create scalable solutions that enhance usability, safety, and engagement in evolving smart city ecosystems.

Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that advancing technologies are not only functional but meaningfully embraced by people, enabling the seamless integration of technology and human behavior and driving the development of sustainable, intelligent cities for the future.