Flip the research (and get a job at the same time!)

Posted by Sean Wang on
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 at 8:33 pm

Johnny Lee was a Ph.D. student in “Human-Computer Interaction,” a rather abstract concept for most people. His research paper would be read by a small circle of researchers. His thesis would be reviewed by a small panel of top professors.

In December 2007, Johnny Lee posted a YouTube video related to his research.

It showed an unintended, but innovative, use of the Nintendo Wii remote controller or “Wiimote.”  Using the infrared camera and sensor in the remote, it could transform a normal video screen into a virtual reality display, creating some pretty amazing effects.

The video has become an Internet sensation. Johnny’s research has got the attention of over 6 million viewers, as well as various media coverage.

It also got the attention of employers, with “lots of offers from all the big places.” Today, Johnny is roaming the grounds of Redmond.

Johnny’s use of Social Media has been an essential part of his success as a researcher. “Sharing an idea the right way is just as important as doing the work itself,” he says. “If you create something but nobody knows, it’s as if it never happened.”