Wires to Wireframes: Engineering the Future of Human Interaction Across Hardware and Software

Hi, I’m Varun!

I’m a full-stack engineer, researcher, and relentless tinkerer who thrives on reimagining how we interact with technology. With a foundation in applied physics and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Toronto, I’ve dedicated my career to exploring the intersections of hardware, software, and human-computer interaction (HCI).

I currently lead Unmodal Research in Toronto, where I collaborate with industry leaders to navigate technological uncertainty, craft AI-driven products, and architect transformative solutions for businesses. My journey spans a wide spectrum of projects—from creating Printem, a rapid prototyping technology that enables instant circuit board fabrication, to designing PressAR, a Mixed Reality system that uses computer vision to infer hand force and subtle gestures for seamless interaction. These projects reflect my belief that the most impactful technologies empower people to create, explore, and connect in intuitive ways.

At heart, I’m a maker who thrives on taking ideas from concept to reality. Whether it’s crafting ultra-low-cost 3D scanning tools for museums, developing Slaptrack, a multi-mode Mixed Reality controller with advanced haptic feedback, or prototyping next-generation AI-driven interfaces, I aim to build systems that make technology feel natural and accessible. My philosophy on HCI is rooted in the idea that the best interactions feel effortless—where technology amplifies human creativity while staying out of the way.

Feel free to check out my projects or get in touch with me at varun [a] unmodal.com. Let’s build something remarkable together.