John Vines is Chair of Design Informatics in the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh, where he also co-directs the Institute for Design Informatics. He holds leadership roles as co-director of the Centre for Investing Innovation and the UKFin+ Network Plus, and serves as Programme Director for the MSc and Advanced MSc in Design Informatics. His educational background includes a PhD from the University of Plymouth (2011) in Ageing, technology and the embodied and enactive mind, an MA from the University of Wales (2007) in Design (New Media and Technology), and a BA (Hons) from the University of Wales (2005) in Three-dimensional Design. Prior to his current position, he was Professor of Design at Northumbria University and a lecturer at Newcastle University's Open Lab, where he remains a visiting faculty member. Professor Vines' research focuses on human-computer interaction and interaction design, particularly how people experience and use digital and data-driven technologies in everyday life. His work employs participatory and research through design approaches, with specific expertise in care for later life, health ageing, financial services (especially regarding financial inclusion and alternative currencies), and civic technology. He has developed a growing interest in participatory methods for designing human-AI collaborations and embedding participatory approaches within AI governance processes. His recent publications reveal trends in participatory design methodologies, human-AI interaction, financial technology for social good, and applications for aging populations. These works span disciplines including human-computer interaction, social sciences, design research, and digital health, with increasing focus on the ethical and governance dimensions of emerging technologies. 2 Best Papers at ACM CHI conference 7 Honourable Mentions at ACM CHI conference Professor Vines has secured over £11 million in research funding from councils including EPSRC, ESRC, AHRC, Innovate UK, and Dstl. His current projects include Designing Responsible NLP (a UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training), the Regulation and Design (RAD) Lab, and the Peoplehood project focused on value exchange in later life communities. He leads the Centre for Digital Citizens, a 'next stage digital economy' research center, and the UKFin+ Network Plus which bridges academic research and financial services industry needs. His research group operates across multiple labs including the Regulation and Design (RAD) Lab, which explores human-technology interactions at the interface of technology, design, and regulation, and collaborates with the Centre for Investing Innovation, a strategic partnership between global asset management company abrdn and the University of Edinburgh.
