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Jeff Han
Co-founder, CEO at perceptiveIO
Professional Background
Starting his career with a strong basis in electrical engineering and computer science from the prestigious Cornell University, Jeff Han has made remarkable contributions to the fields of technology and interaction design. With a passion for innovative user interfaces, he became a significant figure in multimedia interaction, particularly known for his groundbreaking TED talk in 2006. This talk, showcasing multi-touch interaction techniques, captivated audiences worldwide, highlighting Jeff's ability to convey complex technological concepts in an engaging manner, well before the common usage of touch-based applications came to fruition with devices like the iPhone.
Before embarking on his latest venture, Jeff served as the Partner General Manager of the Surface Hub Devices Group at Microsoft, overseeing a talented team of interdisciplinary professionals. His remarkable ability to blend hardware, software, and user experience culminated in the development of the Microsoft Surface Hub, a large-format interactive display that changed how teams collaborate in workspaces.
As the founder and former CEO of Perceptive Pixel, Inc. (PPI), Jeff led the charge in creating advanced user interfaces, which gained national attention during the 2008 U.S. presidential election. The “Magic Wall” touch displays designed by PPI became a staple in the live coverage by major broadcasters, further demonstrating Jeff's prowess in delivering impactful technological solutions.
Education and Achievements
Jeff's academic journey began at the renowned Dalton School, laying the foundation for his future studies in electrical engineering and computer science at Cornell University. While there, he was involved with CU-SeeMe, an early multi-party videoconferencing application. This experience ignited his entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the inception of his first startup in the late 90s.
Jeff's expertise has not gone unrecognized; in 2008, he was honored as one of Time magazine's “Time 100” most influential people, underlining his significant impact on technology and design. The following year, his contributions to interaction design earned him the Smithsonian’s National Design Award, marking him as a leader in his field. Beyond accolades, Jeff remains deeply engaged with the academic community, frequently contributing to various research publications and conferences such as SIGGRAPH, UIST, and SID, reinforcing his dedication to advancing the industry.
Currently embracing new challenges, Jeff has relocated to San Francisco, where he focuses on developing a new startup. His commitment to innovation and collaboration continues to drive his endeavor to create cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of interactive experiences.
Achievements
- TED Talk on multi-touch interaction techniques (2006), one of the most viewed TED talks
- Founder and CEO of Perceptive Pixel, Inc. (PPI)
- Partner General Manager at Microsoft Surface Hub Devices Group
- The Smithsonian’s National Design Award in Interaction Design (2009)
- Named one of Time’s 100 most influential people (2008)
