John Maeda

John Maeda is an influential American technologist and designer, currently serving as the Vice President of Design and Artificial Intelligence at Microsoft since November 2022. His role focuses on integrating AI into applications, enhancing user experience through design and technology.12

Early Life and Education

Born in 1966 in Seattle, Washington, Maeda's early exposure to creativity stemmed from his family's tofu factory. He pursued a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), followed by a PhD in Design Science from the University of Tsukuba in Japan. He also holds an MBA from Arizona State University.123

Career Highlights

Maeda's career is marked by various significant roles:

• MIT Media Lab: He was a professor and led research in design and computation for over a decade, fostering a community that combined design with programming.12

• Rhode Island School of Design (RISD): He served as the president from 2008 to 2013, during which he promoted the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) movement.13

• Everbridge: Before joining Microsoft, he was the Chief Technology Officer, where he led technology and product vision aimed at resilience.23

• Publicis Sapient: As Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer, he focused on digital transformation initiatives.23

• Kleiner Perkins: He was a Design Partner, advising startups on the business impact of design.1

Contributions and Influence

Maeda is known for his work in computational design and has authored several books, including How to Speak Machine, which explores the intersection of AI and design. His contributions to the field have earned him numerous accolades, including the White House's National Design Award and multiple honorary doctorate degrees.134

In addition to his corporate roles, Maeda is a noted speaker and thought leader, frequently discussing the implications of AI in design and creativity. He emphasizes the need for designers to understand business and the ethical dimensions of technology in the modern landscape.45