Major Projects
My research focus is on using low-resolution prototypes to explore complex systems. The following projects illustrate the way my research intersects with the world. The following section is intended to provide an overview of my current research projects.
Prototyping Ethical AI Policies (2021)
Partnering with Open Loop and TTC Labs to explore ways to bring policy makers and start-ups together to co-create useful, ethical and effective policies for emerging technologies. This project launches in August 2021.
Prototyping Wildfire Evacuations (2019-2021)
Working with communities in Oakland, California and Bolinas, California to help communities “rehearse” wildfire evacuations in rapid, low-risk ways. This project has been funded by a 2019 Seed Fund Award from CITRIS and the Banatao Institute at the University of California and a Stage 1 Award from the National Science Foundation’s CIVIC Program.
Supporting Elections in 2020 (2020)
Tom partnered with the d.school at Stanford University to support safe, fair and healthy elections in 2020. Our team is currently exploring the next phase of work to support democracy.
Transformation in Engineering Graduate Studies (2017-2021)
This work has been part of a multi-year grant sponsored by the National Science Foundation. I am the Co-Investigator along with Patrick Little, Professor Emeritus at Harvey Mudd College.
Details available at germination-transform.com
The Hive (2014-2016)
In 2014 my design firm (Red Cover Studios) began work with the Claremont Colleges to conceptualize and launch an initiative related to innovation, design thinking, and creativity. My partner (Vida Mia Garcia) and I used a prototyping approach to help secure $25 million in an endowed gift to ensure that the Hive would be a thriving center for the foreseeable future.