John Vines

John Vines is a Professor and Chair of Design Informatics at the School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, as well as Co-Director of the Institute for Design Informatics. He is an experienced researcher specializing in the fields of human-computer interaction and design. His work particularly explores how people experience and use digital and data-driven technologies in their everyday lives. His approach emphasizes participatory design and "research through design," aiming to co-create prototypes with users to explore the real-world applications of emerging technologies. He has a strong focus on areas such as aging, healthy aging, and financial inclusion, striving to create positive societal impacts through design technologies. Recently, he has also been actively exploring how participatory methodologies can inform the design and governance of AI systems. He has published over 140 academic papers and received several awards from premier conferences.

• 2021–Present·University of Edinburgh·Chair of Design Informatics
  • Co-leads the Institute for Design Informatics, overseeing various research projects focused on inclusive technology design, AI governance, and more, supported by over £24M in research funding.
• 2017–2021·Northumbria University·Professor of Design
  • Co-founded the CoCreate research group, focusing on interdisciplinary design and computing research.
• 2012–2017·Newcastle University·Lecturer
  • Worked as a lecturer at Open Lab, conducting interdisciplinary research on technology and society.

• 2007–2011·Plymouth University·PhD
  • Focused on aging, technology, and research on embodied and situated cognition.
• 2005–2007·University of Wales·Master's
  • Specialized in new media and technology design.
• 2002–2005·University of Wales·Bachelor's
  • Studied 3D Design.