Blog
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Rigour in applied research: what are we actually asking for?
TL;DR: Rigour is frequently invoked in applied research but rarely defined. When stakeholders call for more rigour, they are typically pointing to a mix of underlying concerns that vary by context and decision. Without clarity on what is actually being asked for, teams default to the visible performance of rigour, rather than rigour itself. This…
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On changing tools, and tools changing us
TL;DR: Changing research tools changes research practice. This reflection takes a CSCW-informed view of tool migration, examining how new platforms reshape workflows, redistribute expertise, and influence what teams come to treat as valid insight. I draw on a recent experience of changing tools in a large complex organisation. (CSCW is Computer-Supported Cooperative Work which studies…
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Bias in Human-AI Collaboration
TL;DR: Human–AI collaboration is now common in both low- and high-stakes settings, but human cognitive biases can distort how people evaluate AI outputs. Biases like automation bias (over-trust), algorithmic loafing (reduced effort), and automation-induced complacency (reduced vigilance) can all weaken oversight and lead to serious errors. Because these flawed decisions can also flow back into…
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Leading Design Conference — 2025 Reflections
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Leading Design Conference at the Barbican Centre in London. I first heard about the event through our accessibility research partners at Fable, who were among the main sponsors. Because most of our collaboration happens online (Fable are based in Canada) it felt like the perfect chance…
Brian Grellmann 