AI for Founders – Jody Medich InterviewAI for Founders: Jody Medich on Designing AI That Makes Us Superhuman

Guest: Jody Medich, Designer, Futurist, Cognitive Ergonomics Expert
Host: Ryan Estes
Podcast: AI for Founders

In this episode, Ryan Estes talks with Jody Medich about the future of AI, XR (Extended Reality), and the design of human-first interfaces. Jody’s work reimagines how we interact with machines—not by replacing human intelligence, but by augmenting it.

Key Takeaways

• AI needs better interfaces to become tools of amplification rather than automation.
• Cognitive ergonomics centers technology design around human mental and sensory models.
• XR acts as a new interface layer between humans and intelligent systems.
• Immersive tech can unlock neuroplasticity and expand our cognitive abilities.
• The path to AI superpowers lies in co-thinking, not just prompt engineering.

Frameworks and Concepts

• Cognitive Ergonomics: Aligning tech design with human thinking and behavior.
• Speed of Thought Interfaces: Real-time interaction without bottlenecks.
• Embodied Cognition: Using movement and environment to process information.
• XR as Visualization Layer: Making AI capabilities tangible through spatial tools.

Resources and Links

• SnowWorld – VR pain reduction study
• Walk Again Project – Duke University
• Microsoft HoloLens Gestures
• Notebook LM – Google
• Claude – Anthropic

Connect with Jody Medich

Jody on LinkedIn