Introducing the Driftline Newsletter

A topic of interest that I've been dwelling on for some time now has been the way digital technology has an impact on the physical spaces around us and how it changes the way we interact.

As builders, designers, and innovators, how often do we pause and think about and consider the long-term implications of what we create? Or when questioned do we simply say we will deal with it later? What if later is too late?

I'm Matthew, and for the past 15 years I have worked in the field of user experience around the world. I've had the opportunity to travel to and live in various countries and regions, personally observing how technology can improve or cripple lives, change cultures and distance the communities and people we live with. In some cases, actually many cases, more than we would like to believe, technology advancements continue to expell a great number of people from benefiting; while at the same time that expulsion actually saves others from facing the detrimental outcomes of technology.

My mission is to bring awareness and help people think about a future that is inclusive, accessible and how advancements may not always be better, and where perhaps, we should keep the old fashioned, for humanities sake.

Why driftline?

A driftline is a line or ribbon of floating debris, natural or fabricated, marking where ocean currents meet, creating a rich habitat for small fish, turtles and other ocean life.

Driftline is a space where we drift, undecided, unsure of which direction to go. A place where the lines of progress and regress are blurred. An area where divergence is growth.

The mission is to bring a fresh and sometimes controversial perspective that may invoke new ideas and thoughts in your own projects and daily dealings.

I hope you will join me on this journey where topics are intended to spark discussion and other times be a relaxing read over a morning coffee.