James Williams is a distinguished technology keynote speaker with a deep understanding of the intersection between philosophy, ethics, and technology design. A doctoral candidate at the Oxford Internet Institute, his research focuses on the philosophy and ethics of attention and persuasion in the context of highly persuasive design. Through his work, James seeks to advance our understanding of how to safeguard user freedom in environments shaped by complex technological influences. His expertise positions him as a thought leader in fostering technology that respects human attention, goals, and values.
Before his academic journey, James spent over a decade at Google, where he earned the prestigious Founders’ Award, the company’s highest accolade, for his contributions to advertising products and tools. He is also a co-founder of the Time Well Spent campaign, which aims to encourage more ethical design practices in technology by prioritising the needs and values of users. With a background that includes a master’s degree in Human-Centred Design and Engineering from the University of Washington and an undergraduate degree in English Literature from Seattle Pacific University, James bridges technical expertise with a humanistic perspective.
James is actively involved in various academic and professional roles at Oxford, including as a member of the Digital Ethics Lab and a visiting researcher at the Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics. He has also taught postgraduate courses such as Internet Technology and Regulation and served as a tutor in the Computer Science department. His research interests extend to diverse areas such as virtual and augmented reality, behavioural economics, human-computer interaction, and narrative design. This breadth of knowledge makes him a highly engaging and insightful speaker, capable of addressing both technical and philosophical dimensions of modern technology. His TEDx talk "Stand Out of Our Light" has been viewed over 25,000 times.
Beyond academia and industry, James is the author of "Stand Out of Our Light". He is also a frequent consultant for governments and businesses, as well as a commentator in the media on pressing technology issues. He combines his deep knowledge with a passion for exploring how emerging technologies impact society and individual behaviour. Whether discussing persuasive design, space exploration, or the works of James Joyce, his talks inspire audiences to think critically about the role of technology in shaping our lives and the ethical challenges it presents. James Williams’ ability to connect complex ideas with real-world implications makes him a sought-after voice in the technology world.
