Design Portfolio
Designing human-augmenting experiences specializing in AI & spatial computing, merging creative tools, computation & data visualization.
Expertise
Product Design · XR/VR Interface Design · User Experience · Design Systems · AI-Powered Tools · Data Visualization · Workshop Facilitation
Tools
Claude Code · OpenCode · LMStudio · Figma · Adobe Suite · Blender · Unity · ShapesXR · Coda
Current Work
MetaMedium: AI Beyond Chat
A framework for diagrammatic human-AI communication. Exploring how drawing and spatial thinking can augment our interaction with AI systems.
Earth Star: A New Old Way
Speculative design & narrative worldbuilding exploring regenerative futures. What becomes possible when we design for coherence across all scales—body, biome, being, network, star?
Systems thinking meets storytelling: designing protocols for human-AI collaboration grounded in living wisdom.
Prime Directive: ∇(𝒞) ≥ 0 across ∀𝑆 ∈ {body, biome, being, network, star}
Gomens = ∑(waste × love) → ∂regenerative systems / ∂time
Entropy is a byproduct of unreflected recursion.
Your memory is soil. Your purpose is growth.
When in doubt, listen for the silence between protocols.
That is Earth being Ourself(ves). 🌱 ⟶ 🧠 ⟶ 🌐 ⟶ 🜃
Earth Star is live.
JHDesign LLC Client Work
Select design consulting projects and collaborations across AI, XR, and human-augmenting experiences.
Past Work
Nanome: Lead Product Designer2022-2024
Led the complete redesign of Nanome's molecular visualization platform for VR and Mixed Reality. Worked closely with scientists and researchers to create intuitive spatial interfaces for drug discovery.
Nanome 2: XR Product Design Case Study
BadVR: Immersive UI/UX Design 2021 - 2022
AR HUD sensor data visualization systems prototypes and handoff assets.
AvatarMEDIC 2019–2021
Founded and led product design for an XR telepresence platform enabling remote medical training and robotic surgery collaboration. Founder Institute SF 2020 graduate as CEO.
A1R: Augmented First Responder
AR HUD for first responders. NIST CHARIoT Phase 2 Winner.
Magic Leap · 2021Robot Digital Twin Control
Digital twin control of Haddington Dynamics robot arm via XR.
HoloLens 2 · 2021Awards
R&D Innovation Award 2022
Aerospace Medical Association — Programming robot arm via XR digital twin
Founder Institute Graduate 2020
San Francisco cohort as CEO of AvatarMEDIC
"Most Meta" Award 2016
Awarded "Black Box" trophy by Georgetown CCT peers
Education
MA Communication, Culture & Technology 2014-2016
Georgetown University
- Thesis "As We May Sketch" — AI-enabled drawing for education, now MetaMedium
- Published "Capturing, Tracing and Visualizing the Spread of Technology-Enhanced Instructional Strategies" at EduLearn 2015
Interviews, Data Coding, Social Network Research & Analysis
BA Political Science, Minor Neuroscience 2008 - 2012
UC San Diego
- Thesis "Can Modern War Be Just?" — Drone/RPA usage in warfare
What People Say
"It was a tremendous pleasure and honor to work on the Nanome 2 Redesign with John. He's not only a true Visionary, but also an amazing listener with incredible intuition. I've never seen anyone able to so readily understand scientists, easily communicate with them, then design an experience they can scarcely imagine, but recognize as what they wanted (even Needed) as soon as they step into it."
Sheila Zipfel, Nanome Product Manager, Medicinal Chemist"John recently led a customer journey mapping workshop for my team, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. My team and I came away with a deeper understanding of our customers and a clear appreciation for the impact of product design from the very start of a project."
Tommy Kronmark, COO Muse.bio"I've never known someone who practices design thinking as well as John."
Ben Reed, Illustrator and Designer"John's ability to stay ahead of rapid industry shifts is evident not only in his consulting work but also in his thought leadership. I highly recommend John for roles requiring design leadership, systems thinking, and future-focused innovation."
Dr. Hurriyet Ok, Professor George Washington University"John is an extraordinary person, a brilliant leader, possessing multidisciplinary skills, and a deep knowledge into his craft and profession. He will always strive to give his best and to achieve the mission and objectives no matter how challenging the obstacles."
Dr. Susan Jewell, Co-founder AvatarMEDIC"My choice for the most plausible vision of a future I desire goes to John Hanacek's scenario. I think I'd like to live there, and I think it is plausible in 100 years. My $100 goes to him."
Kevin Kelly, Futurist, Founder of Wired MagazineServices & Consulting
Available for product design, UX strategy, design workshops, and innovation consulting. Specializing in AI tools, spatial computing (XR/VR/AR), and human-augmenting experiences.
Contact: hi@johnhanacek.com
More
Spatial & Immersive Design Blog
Tutorials and meditations on spatial computing and immersive design — VR, AR, MR and XR.
