Johann Wentzel

Johann Wentzel is an interaction designer and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) researcher currently working at Apple, focusing on designing and developing accessibility features and immersive input experiences. His research emphasizes improving the accessibility of Virtual Reality (VR) by combining familiar input devices with context-aware remapping techniques, particularly designing experiences for users with motor impairments. He has previously worked at Microsoft and Meta and completed his PhD research in the HCI lab at the University of Waterloo. His work includes collaborating with the accessibility design community to develop assistive technologies and new interaction methods, providing innovative solutions for VR accessibility. His research has been supported by numerous scholarships, including the Cheriton Graduate Scholarship and the NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship.

• 2023–Present·Apple·Interaction Designer and HCI Researcher
  • Responsible for designing and developing accessibility features, with a focus on immersive input experiences and inclusive design.

• Previous roles at Microsoft and Meta | Research Intern

  • Gained diverse perspectives on accessibility design during his research internships at Microsoft and Meta.

• 2018–Present·University of Waterloo·PhD
  • Focuses on VR accessibility research, developing assistive and context-aware interaction technologies.
• Master’s (MMath) | University of Waterloo
  • Researched comfort design in VR through non-linear input amplification techniques.