

John S. Harris, MA, RPA
Anthropologist, UX Researcher and Designer
HAR Role:
HAR Managing Member
Location
Email:
Hometown:
Recent Volunteer Activities
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Texas Stream Team, Water Quality Monitor Community Scientist
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Scholarly Journal Peer Reviewer (Human Ecology)
About
Harris Anthropological Research offers:
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User experience design and research, informed by an anthropological background
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Business intelligence analytics
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Cultural heritage educational courses, research, and consulting
Mission:
At Harris Anthropological Research LLC (HAR), our mission is to delve into humanity’s insights and rise to today’s challenges through comprehensive and ethical research, design, and consultation. We synergistically offer user experience research and design, business data analytics, and cultural heritage research, education, and consulting. Guided by our core values, we aim to create solutions that resonate with authenticity, contextuality, sustainable growth, creativity, and curiosity.
Values:
Authenticity
Contextuality
Sustainable Growth
Creativity
Curiosity
Discover the Meaning Behind the Logo
HAR's logo is more than just a symbol—it's a reflection of the values and mission at Harris Anthropological Research. The abstract figure nods to ancient rock art, symbolizing HAR's deep connection to cultural heritage and human history. The abstract figure here strides, even gambols, forward into the picture but glances back and points as if to respect its origins. The abstract figure is also in the shape of the H, for "Harris" and is made by two intertwined question marks (one inverted) captures our boundless curiosity and pursuit of understanding. The flowing slash through the H symbolizes organic growth and the step-like journey I embark on, exploring the depths of human experience. The deep blue icon is reminiscent of wisdom, integrity, and depth of insight.
This visual representation embodies HAR's commitment how growth and curiosity go hand-in-hand. It’s a constant reminder of my mission.





In a world where the genuine often hides behind the glitz and glamour of the modern age, we hold a torch for authenticity. Our commitment to honest and ethical research practices is unwavering. We celebrate life's raw quirks and the handmade nuances overshadowed by uniformity. By embracing our unfiltered selves and our shared, imperfect humanity, we uncover true depth. Our designs and recommendations are environmentally conscious, ensuring that even the non-human stakeholders have a voice in our projects.
We navigate the ever-changing landscape of our clients' needs, desires, and actions with the precision of a seasoned cartographer. By understanding and mapping out these shifting contexts—environments, times, and situations—we design with empathy, ensuring thoughtful and attuned solutions. Our adaptive and eco-friendly practices are like a compass guiding us through the complexities of each project, always pointing us toward sustainable and responsive design.
Our pursuit of sustainable growth is like planting a forest—each tree representing a step towards socially and ecologically responsible design. We forge paths that are impactful and enduring, drawing wisdom from the past to shape a practical, future-minded approach. We understand that the means matter as much as the ends, ensuring every design decision reflects our commitment to long-term well-being.
At HAR, creativity isn't just about dreaming big; it's about delivering thoughtful and practical solutions that are both beautiful and humane. We foster an environment where innovative thinking and flexible problem-solving thrive. We champion the freedom for ideas to flourish, ensuring our creative processes result in solutions that effectively and compassionately address our clients' challenges. By drawing wisdom from many places—across disciplines, cultures, and historical contexts—we enrich our creative endeavors and ensure our solutions are as diverse and inclusive as the world we aim to serve. Our creativity is purpose-driven, consistently aiming to enhance both human and ecological well-being through our work
Driven by an insatiable desire to understand the world, we embark on a journey of exploration. Our curiosity is the compass that guides us through uncharted territories, fostering sustainable practices and uncovering the intricate relationships between humans and their environments. We recognize the immense responsibility of creating life-centered designs that consider both users and non-users, human and non-human alike.
