Ruth Stalker-Firth, PhD (EPFL), fascinated by how people use technology, and vice-versa.
Hello, my name is Ruth, I write about technology and storytelling, as for me, they are inextricably linked to us understanding ourselves and the world around us. When I talk to people about the computers they use, I often listen to them talk about their whole lives. This is because when we design software for people, we change the way that people work, for good and for bad, and that is a political act.
I have been online since 1995 and blogging here since 2007 mainly about technology, but often about my life, because of the impact that technology has upon me. This site gets ~1.2 million hits a year.
I have worked as an interaction design consultant (IxD and UX) and programmer, for a wide range of companies since 1996, including my own. After getting my PhD in HCI for AI and big data in smart structures, I became a university lecturer in 2001. I have taught HCI, AI, cognitive science, biometrics, IT security, and web technologies at BSc and MSc level, and online.
I firmly believe that understanding exactly how our technology works is the key to making us all happier with it. I live and work in London and give talks demystifying AI.
I speak fluent French, terrible Italian, and Duolingo Dutch. And, I love roller skating and yoga.
Last updated: 23th June 2025