Dr. Daniel Richards is a Lecturer in Data Prototyping and Visualisation at the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (LICA), part of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) at Lancaster University. His research focuses on speculative design, digital ethics, sustainable technologies, and innovation ecosystems. He explores provocative concepts such as 'Good Digital Identities' and 'Disruptive Innovation Ecosystems,' emphasizing co-creation and ethical technology integration. Key projects include the Digital Good Network (2022–2027), investigating equity and sustainability in digital relationships, and Qualified Selves (2019–2020), examining post-big data meaning-making. He also leads the Chatty Factories initiative (2018–2021), reimagining IoT-driven manufacturing. Richards has received the FASS Staff Award for Early Career Researcher of the Year and engages in public outreach through exhibitions like the Festival of Futures and workshops such as Speculative Woolgathering . His work bridges art, design, and technology, addressing societal challenges through speculative and participatory methods. He collaborates with interdisciplinary research groups including DSI - Society , Imagination Lancaster , and the Worldbuilding collective, fostering cross-disciplinary innovation. His activities span invited talks on AI in design, business engagement with Stratasys , and academic committee roles.








