Headshot of Johann Wentzel

Johann Wentzel

Interaction Designer & HCI Researcher building accessible and immersive interactive experiences.

Projects & Publications

Teaser image for MotionBlocks project.

MotionBlocks: Modular Geometric Motion Remapping

Exploring modular motion remapping to make upper body movements in VR more accessible. (CHI 2025)

VRAccessibilityUnityCHI 2025
Image for PhD Dissertation.

PhD Dissertation: Improving VR Accessiblity

My doctoral dissertation, focusing on combining familiar input devices with context-aware remapping to improve VR accessibility.

PhDAccessibilityVRUWaterloo
Image for VR Menu Archetypes project.

A Comparison of Virtual Reality Menu Archetypes

A comparative analysis of raycasting, direct input, and marking menus in virtual reality. (TVCG 2024)

VRInteraction DesignUser Study
Image for SwitchSpace project.

SwitchSpace: Context-Aware Peeking Between VR and Desktop

Investigating seamless transitions between immersive VR and traditional desktop interfaces. (CHI 2024)

VRHCIPrototypingAutodesk
Image for Inclusive AR project.

More Than Input: Using the Gaze-Psychology Link for More Accessible AR

Using the gaze-psychology link for more accessible Augmented Reality. (CHI 2024 Workshop)

ARAccessibilityCHI 2024 Workshop
Image for Doctoral Consortium project.

Bring-Your-Own Input: Context-Aware Multi-Modal Input

Work on context-aware multi-modal input for more accessible virtual reality. (CHI 2023 Doctoral Consortium)

VRAccessibilityCHI 2023 DC
Image for Lens Flare & Film Grain project.

Volumetric Rendering for Lens Flare and Film Grain in VR

Volumetric and user-centric rendering techniques for lens flare and film grain in VR. (CVMP 2022)

VRRenderingCVMP 2022
Image for Multi-Modal Input project.

Understanding How People with Limited Mobility Use Multi-Modal Input

Research into how users with limited mobility leverage multiple input devices simultaneously. (CHI 2022)

AccessibilityHCIMicrosoft
Image for Social VR project.

Designing for Differing Physical Spaces in Social VR

Exploring design solutions for social VR when users have different-sized physical playspaces. (CHI 2021 Workshop)

Social VRInteraction Design
Image for Font Your Friends project.

Font Your Friends: On the Utility of Ugly Interfaces

An exploration of personal expression and communication through unconventional user interfaces. (alt.chi 2021)

Speculative DesignUIalt.chi
Image for VR Input Amplification project.

Improving VR Ergonomics through Non-Linear Input Amplification

A novel input technique to improve comfort for users in virtual reality. (CHI 2020)

VRErgonomicsBest Paper HM
Image for Master's Thesis.

Master's Thesis: Reach-Bounded, Non-Linear Input Amplification

My Master's thesis, which formed the foundation for the VR Ergonomics project, exploring non-linear input for VR comfort.

MMathVRUWaterloo
Image for Shared Presence project.

Shared Presence and Collaboration using a Co-Located Humanoid Robot

Early work into using a physical robot for collaborative tasks with a remote user. (HAI 2015)

RoboticsHRICollaboration