John Maeda is an American technologist and product experience leader who has made significant contributions to computational design, generative art, and data visualization. He became the first recipient of the National Design Award for his algorithmically-generated visualizations informed by data. His designs are featured in two renowned museums, the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and the Cartier Foundation in Paris. Over the years, Maeda advanced to prominent positions such as being the chief technology officer of Everbridge, former board member of Sonos and Wieden+Kennedy, design partner of Kleiner Perkins, head of design + inclusion of Automattic, and a former president and CEO of Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

Maeda's expertise ranges from technology, engineering, and design to business, education, and inclusion. He has authored five books, including "How to Speak Machine," a gentle introduction to AI/ML, and "Laws of Simplicity," a tech bestseller in 2006. He is a frequent speaker and interviewee, often featured in top media outlets like The New York Times, TED, and The Wall Street Journal. He received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to the design industry, including three honorary doctorate degrees, the Esquire 75 Most Influential of the 21st Century, and the White House's National Design Award.

Maeda holds multiple degrees, including an SB in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and an SM in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also holds an MBA from Arizona State University, a PhD in Design Science from the University of Tsukuba, and three honorary PhDs.