Nicolas Henchoz is the founding director of EPFL+ECAL Lab, the design research centre of the EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne), created in collaboration with the ECAL (Art and design University, Lausanne). Material science engineer, journalist, art director and administrator, he has developed a new vision of innovation, combining creativity, real life implementation and human observation to turn emerging technologies into successful innovation. The research outcomes have led to several major academic contributions like ISMAR, HFES, Siggraph or Leonardo, awards, including the International Design Festival Berlin, Design Prize Switzerland, Splash Award (Best app of the year), and implemented prototypes with companies. Nicolas Henchoz a visiting professor at the Politecnico di Milano and board member of the Global Alliance for Media Innovation. He has curated more than 30 exhibitions in institutions like Harvard University, the Musée des arts décoratifs in Paris, the American Institute of Architecture in NYC, or the Royal College of Art in London. He has been distinguished Chevalier des arts et des lettres by French minister for culture and communication. In the field of sports, Nicolas Henchoz has been one of the first national expert for windsurfing education in Switzerland, reporter on water and snow sports, and the author of the book “Art of the Void”. Current research topics address disruptive user experience to foster fan engagement.
