A new beginning

We are irreversibly in a world where data and computation and networked systems are a huge part of our experience. It's not just banks and HR systems anymore, not just worldwide logistics, but culture and communication and community. The stuff of life!

But for all the "supercomputers in our pockets" and "bring the world closer together," something is very much off. We've got plenty of new technology, new tools, new apps, and new networks, but nearly all of it seems to be made with a mindset where end users are an instrument of profit.

What we need goes beyond a well-designed user experience. We need tools and technology that are driven primarily by what humans need in their lives, and what approaches are concordant with their own goals.

So I want to try something a bit different.

And this time, it's not just a hobby–I'll be running Monorail Technology as my full time job, operating it as a software R&D and consulting shop.

The R&D part is where I'm trying something new. I'm going to post my writing here with thoughts on technology, new ideas and framings, and possible paths to better futures.

I'm also going to build real software–prototypes, proofs of concept, and meaningfully useful tools–and make them available to all paid subscribers. You'll get to experience bits of alternative futures for yourself, and participate in discussion threads with others who believe there's value in this approach.

Instead of people being the product (via ads), or being a consumer, this is a vision for a way of discussion, developing, and sharing technology that's more participatory, more conversational, more convivial, and with a funding model that's not about market capture, immense scale, or selling eyeballs.

Think of it as a way of both funding and participating in a better, more humane technological future.

If you're not quite ready for that, but this still sounds interesting, please do subscribe as a free member. You won't get access to the prototypes and tools, but you can still follow along.

Values

When starting anything new, it's worth taking some time to consider what matters most. What principles will help drive tough decisions, and chart a path through tough tradeoffs?

Here's what will be true for Monorail:

Design for humans.

Not markets, not corporations, not search engines. Technology should be in service of human thriving. Even business software is used by humans at companies.

Consider tomorrow.

Value resources, think long term. Energy use and architectural complexity matter. Data longevity matters. Build ideas and approaches and systems that will stand the test of time.

Inspire possibility.

Point towards something, enable creativity. The benefit of putting a new idea or approach out into the world goes beyond its immediate utility. It's hard to measure that broader impact, but it's one of the most powerful things you can do.

Who are you?

Oh right. Hi, I'm Jesse.

I've been building software for humans professionally since 1997. My work has spanned full stack web engineering, user centered design, information visualization, information security, and cloud infrastructure, at companies from 3 to 300,000 people, including PricewaterhouseCoopers, IBM Research, Figure 53, the Obama 2012 Tech Team, NASA/JPL, Netflix, and Watershed.

My work has won NASA’s Software of the Year award, IEEE VIS’s Test of Time Award, and a presidential election.

I've given talks about human scale technology, science fiction and design, and I've built a range of serious and non-serious things: tools for artists and scientists, intentionally small scale technology, and digital art.

I'll be doing consulting work as well, so if you have a project idea, please get in touch!