Reading Between the Curly Braces: On Textual Data Serialization Format Usability
— IEEE Symposium on Visual Languages and Human Centered Computing (VL/HCC) 2026
Shiyi He
PhD Student in Computing
University of Utah
I’m a 4th-year PhD student advised by Andrew McNutt.
I study how people use data tools, how interfaces shape their thinking, and how AI changes those interactions.
My work combines mixed-methods user studies with tool building to improve usability and user experience. I also evaluate LLM agents using task-quality rubrics and human judgment.
I earned a BS in Information Management and Systems from East China Normal University and an MS in Information Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Human–AI InteractionTool UsabilityData VisualizationLLM & Agent Evaluation
I am actively seeking Research Internship Opportunities, including both summer and off-cycle positions during the fall, winter, or spring. I would love to connect—please feel free to reach out if you know of a relevant opportunity or are interested in discussing a potential collaboration!
Selected work.
Peer-Reviewed Conference Papers
2026
How Wrangling Tools Shape Wrangling: A Technical Dimensions Analysis
— IEEE Symposium on Visual Languages and Human Centered Computing (VL/HCC) 2026
2025
ChARLES: Change-Aware Recovery of Latent Evolution Semantics in Relational Data
— ACM SIGMOD Conference, Demo Track, 2025
Graduate Consortium
2026
Towards Scaling Qualitative Analysis of Video Data
— IEEE Symposium on Visual Languages and Human Centered Computing (VL/HCC), Graduate Consortium, 2026
Posters
2026
Trade-offs in Data Color Palette Design Tools
— IEEE VIS, Poster, 2026
Experiences.
Internships
TAships
External Reviewing
Services
Beyond Research.
A life outside the lab, collected through places, movement, food, and music.
Footprints
I love traveling and documenting the places I visit through photography. Each journey gives me a chance to encounter new landscapes, cultures, and perspectives.
On the Move
When I am not working, you can often find me skiing or playing tennis. I enjoy both the thrill of the slopes and the rhythm of a good rally.
Baking
I enjoy baking and experimenting with new recipes—especially when there are friends around to share the results.
Music & More
Music is a constant part of my life, whether I am working, traveling, or relaxing. I also have a very soft spot for Momonga.
Notes from a night of music
A place for concert photographs, favorite moments, and songs I carried home.
Future note
A lemon cake for a slow afternoon
A small recipe note with photographs, adjustments, and things to try next time.
Future note
Things worth remembering lately
Tiny discoveries, photographs, and ordinary details collected along the way.
Future note