I’m a technology ethicist, author of Future Ethics, and a recent Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Elon University, North Carolina.
Consulting
I help teams build safe and responsible digital products.
After two decades as a designer inside the UK tech sector and Silicon Valley, I know how technology teams work and think. But as an academically trained ethicist, I also know the mistakes these teams can make and the harm they unwittingly do.
My background gives me a rare ability to unpick thorny problems and translate complex ethical concepts into practical, actionable advice that reduces risks for company and stakeholders alike.
I particularly specialise in persuasive technology, designing for privacy, and responsible AI.
Speaking and training
I am an experienced keynote speaker at companies and conferences worldwide. My talks focus on the big issues facing the tech sector and the world such as artificial intelligence, climate crisis, threats to personal and social autonomy. I’m known for talks that challenge my audience to live up to their responsibilities and to use their power to make our collective futures brighter.
I also offer in-house training and conference workshops on a range of issues in responsible tech, giving attendees actionable knowledge and skills in a lively learning environment.
Talks and workshops are available in person or remotely via a professional-grade studio setup.
Previous clients
Academic
I am a recent Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Elon University. I hold an MSc Information Technology from the University of Nottingham, and have recently completed an MSt Practical Ethics from the University of Oxford, based at the Uehiro Oxford Institute. Recently I have been an associate lecturer at Manchester Met and a visiting lecturer at the Royal College of Art.
My research interests include persuasive AI systems and interfaces, the use of futures methods for anticipatory tech ethics, and the ethics of product experimentation.
I’m available for guest lectures on design and technology ethics, either remote globally or onsite in the UK. I have previously spoken at Stanford, Cambridge, Carnegie Mellon, Illinois Tech, Imperial College, and the Glasgow School of Art.
Newsletter
I send a little personal newsletter every few weeks: what’s new, what I’m working on, what’s got me excited. Sign up below:
Books
Future Ethics
The must-read guide to the ethics of emerging technology (NowNext Press, 2018). También disponible en español.
Undercover User Experience Design
Learn how to do great UX work with tiny budgets, no time, and limited support (New Riders 2010, with James Box).
Contact
Potential client? New collaborator? Get in touch: [email protected].
I’m also happy to provide media insight and opinion on technology and design ethics issues. Previous quotations include WIRED, The Wall Street Journal, and The Daily Telegraph.