Nikolai Kozak

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Designer and engineer interested in computational archaeology: recovering abandoned computing paradigms and rebuilding them with modern tools. 

Also a wooden boatbuilder. 

Former Recurser.

Currently ITP @ NYU 
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I’m a design engineer and creative technologist building hardware/software prototypes for new kinds of interaction.
My practice is “interaction archaeology”: I study overlooked HCI and programming-language ideas (especially 1960s–80s) and turn them into working artifacts - tactile input devices, tools, and systems that prioritize embodiment, legibility, and delight over frictionless automation.

I’m currently an MPS student at NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP), where my thesis work focuses on resurrecting abandoned interface paradigms and rebuilding them through contemporary fabrication and embedded systems.

Previously, I worked as a creative director / creative technologist across Europe and the Middle East, leading interactive installations and experimental R&D - including creative direction for the Hungarian Pavilion at the 2016 Rio Olympics (Innovation in Design - Brazilian Chamber of Commerce). 

I also attended the Recurse Center in New York City, where I built domain-specific languages and small, hand-rolled build systems.

I also trained in traditional wooden boatbuilding in Rhode Island—an apprenticeship in tools, tolerances, and material intelligence that still shapes how I prototype and finish physical work.

I focus on rapid prototyping across electronics + firmware + fabrication; interaction design; research-to-prototype; systems thinking, and technical documentation + writing.