James Byford

James Byford is an experienced digital leader, innovator, educator, and t-shaped individual with expertise in digital innovation and a background in art, design, immersive technologies, teaching, and learning.

With a diverse career spanning roles as a collaborative leader, coach, teacher, researcher, designer, business owner, consultant, producer, coder, and writer, James has accumulated a wealth of experience in various fields.

From being a member of online start-up teams at Mirror Group and AOL Europe in the 90s to co-founding the creative boutique Getfrank and holding senior agency positions like Head of Innovation at iCrossing and Principal/Director at VR studio Make Real, James has been involved in numerous innovative projects.

His noteworthy innovations include the first prospectus online for London South Bank University in 1993, the first UK government online consultation in 1997, the first UK open-source trade association in 2004, and developing impactful projects like #Foodsteps for McDonald's using VR technology.

James' research interest began in 2010 with a Design Studies MA at Central St. Martins, and he has been actively involved in knowledge exchange initiatives between arts, education, and commercial sectors.

His current focus lies in blending arts and innovation practices, exploring immersive technologies, and enhancing learning processes.

James' specialities include collaborative innovation and leadership, action research, design thinking, and immersive product & service design.

He holds educational qualifications including a ProfGCE in Education from Canterbury Christ Church University, an MA in Design Studies from the University of the Arts London, and a BA (Hons) in Politics and Government from London Metropolitan University.

Throughout his career, James has been associated with various organizations such as Chelsea Football Club, Free Range Ltd, Bexhill College, Digital Catapult Centre Brighton, Wired Sussex, University of Brighton, iCrossing UK, Makemedia, Brilliant Noise, Red Design, and more.

His roles have ranged from Lead Enterprise Tutor to Artistic Director, Innovation Director, Director, Consultant, Partner, Researcher, Client Partner, Programme Director, Managing Director, Producer, Senior Designer, and Sub-Editor among others.