Xuci Hu

Design Researcher & Design Strategist @ Institute of Design | Co-Design, Responsible AI, and Design for Human Well-Being

Chicago, Illinois, United States

About

Experience

  • Graduate Design Researcher (Sponsored Project) at UChicago Medicine
    Jan 2026 - May 2026 · 5 mos

    Led end-to-end human-centered research (Contextual Inquiry, Usability Testing, Journey Mapping, NLP-assisted transcript analysis) on an early-stage AI cancer pathology tool, uncovering adoption barriers and translating findings into actionable design strategies, in collaboration with Slideflow Labs and UChicago Medicine Center for Healthcare Delivery Science and Innovation.  Developed a Clinicians' AI Acceptability Framework and UX strategies to increase AI tool adoption in high-stakes clinical settings; recommendations directly implemented by Slideflow Labs in product development, and co-pitched a human-centered design approach for AI innovation in healthcare to senior leadership at UChicago Medicine.

  • Design Researcher (Sponsored Project) at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
    Aug 2025 - Dec 2025 · 5 mos

    Developed a pediatric wheelchair acquisition navigation guide to support caregivers of Children with Medical Complexity, now undergoing further testing with planned implementation in 2026 and a co-authored publication. Synthesized pediatric wheelchair anatomy, acquisition journey and caregivers needs through mixed-methods research (10 User and Expert Interviews, Analogous Research, Digital Ethnography, Open Coding, Thematic Analysis).

  • Design Researcher at Institute of Design (ID)
    Jun 2025 - Aug 2025 · 3 mos

    Investigating the value of art-based research through designing for a community creative space, focusing on navigation systems, creative data collection, and data representation. Exploring how design can support skill-sharing, empowerment, and community responsiveness through creativity.

  • Design Researcher (Sponsored Project) at Starbucks
    Jan 2025 - May 2025 · 5 mos

    Conducted design research to discover the reasons for low response rates in internal surveys and developed strategies to improve nationwide survey engagement among Starbucks store employees. -Conducted User Research (observation, interview, survey, card sorting) to uncover challenges and opportunities. -Analyzed and synthesized findings, developed framework with 8 barriers and opportunities. -Facilitated a co-design workshop, generating over 100 ideas and aligning on next steps. -Conducted comparative research to validate and refine design solutions. -Developed and delivered a compelling, story-driven presentation to engage stakeholders with research insights.

  • Design Researcher (Sponsored Project) at Fluid Reality
    Aug 2024 - Dec 2024 · 5 mos

    Fluid Reality is an innovative, lightweight haptic technology startup. 
Identified a practical, human-centered use case for its emerging haptic technology. Designed a wearable bracelet to support emotional regulation for individuals seeking psychological support, enabling both real-time regulation and long-term emotional processing. -Conducted Secondary Research (Competitor Analysis, Literature Review) to understand exsiting theories, applications, and gaps. -Conducted Primary Research (User and Expert interviews) to uncover user needs and opportunities. -Prioritized 5 opportunity areas and aligned with client on one strategic direction to move forward. -Conducted 3 rounds of User Testing (Card Sorting, Sensory Simulations) to iterate the design concepts. -Designed prototypes of a companion app to support product experiences. -Deliverables including a concept video and a 3D-printed prototype.