CV

Tianyi Xiao

xiaoti@ethz.ch

+41 765922491

Zurich, Zurich, CH

Ph.D. candidate focusing on human–computer interaction, VR/AR/XR, 3D spatial computing and sketch mapping, generative AI, and agent‑based modeling.

CEO & Co-founder
2021-01-01 - 2024-12-31
Weaving Cities Ltd.
UI/UX design, VR/AR and software development, and HCI education and consulting.
Project Manager
2020-04-01 - 2021-04-01
Digital Design Institute of Tianjin University
Developed GIS analysis modules for a Land Resources Development Planning platform.
Intern
2020-09-01 - 2020-12-01
China Academy of Urban Planning and Design Institute
Data crawling, spatial data analysis, modelling and visualization.
Intern
2018-10-01 - 2019-01-01
Urban Planning and Design Institute
Data mining, GIS analysis, urban design, transportation design and land‑use design.

VResin: Externalizing Spatial Memory into 3D Sketch Maps
2024
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
View Publication
A Dynamic Physical-Distancing Model to Evaluate Spatial Measures for Prevention of COVID‑19 Spread
2022
Physica A
View Publication
Sketch2Terrain: AI‑Driven Real‑Time Terrain Sketch Mapping in Augmented Reality
2025
ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI 2025)
View Publication
Risk Assessment of Spatial Configuration on COVID‑19 Transmission through Social Distance Model
2021
International Conference on Canadian, Chinese and African Sustainable Urbanization (ICCCASU 2021)
View Publication
CoNaviMap: Collective Navigation in Wilderness Search and Rescue Using Collaborative 3D Sketch Mapping
2025
Workshop on Scaling Distributed Collaboration in Mixed Reality – The Blended Realities Collective at ACM CHI 2025
View Publication

3D spatial cognition using 3D sketch mapping in VR
2024
Workshop on 3D Sketching Across Cognition, Design, and Art (ECCE 2024)
Beyond Boundaries: GeoHCI-based eXtended Reality and Future Interactive Designs
2024
LLM-based HCI Workshop for Immersive Biodiversity Conservation Education

Computational Methods for Geospatial Analysis
2025
ETH Zürich
Role: Lecture, graduate
Geographic Information Technology and Analysis
2025
ETH Zürich
Role: Exercise, undergraduate
Spatial Data Science
2025
ETH Zürich
Role: Seminar, graduate
GIS and Geoinformatics Lab
2024
ETH Zürich
Role: Lecture, Exercise, Project, graduate
Geographic Information Technology and Analysis
2024
ETH Zürich
Role: Exercise, undergraduate
Mobile GIS and Location‑Based Services
2023
ETH Zürich
Role: Exercise, graduate
Software Practice for Design and Digital Humanities
2021
Tianjin University
Role: Lecture & Project, undergraduate
Software Practice for Design and Digital Humanities
2020
Tianjin University
Role: Project, undergraduate
Special Topics on Research Methodology
2020
Tianjin University
Role: Teaching assistant, graduate

Crowd3DMap
Software
Crowdsourced 3D sketch mapping tool enabling volunteers to depict their observations and generate a map together.
View Project
HolmeSketcher
Software
Generative AI‑powered 3D sketch mapping tool for augmented crime scene investigation.
View Project
CoMap
Software
Collaborative 3D sketch mapping system integrating 2D & 3D sketching, shared visual workspace, multimodal information and role adaptation.
View Project
Sketch2Terrain
Software
AI‑driven real‑time terrain sketch mapping system.
View Project
VResin
Software
Integrates 3D mid‑air and 2D surface sketching for layered 3D modelling.
View Project
HoloSpot
Software
HoloLens 2 interface to control Boston Dynamics Spot using gestures, spatial anchors and joystick.
View Project
MotionSim+
Software
Pedestrian simulation app modelling physical‑distancing behaviour during COVID‑19.
View Project
AutoDesign
Software
Multi‑agent app for urban amenities relocation based on walkability optimisation.
View Project