How to Speak Machine, with a new preface by the author

A simple, enduring framework for understanding the complex world of AI and machine learning—updated with a new preface.

As the capabilities of AI and language models like ChatGPT continue to advance, it is more important than ever to understand the implications and potential pitfalls of these technologies. Reissued with a new preface, How to Speak Machine, which was first published in 2019, draws on John Maeda’s extensive experience as one of the world's preeminent interdisciplinary thinkers on technology and design to provide actionable guidance for businesses, product designers, and policymakers. Using thoughtful explorations and occasionally whimsical examples, he identifies a framework that describes the key capabilities and pitfalls of any machine learning system, and offers a vision for how they can be used to create inclusive and world-changing products.

Essential reading for anyone seeking a high-level understanding of how machines “think” and what the future may hold, How to Speak Machine is more relevant than ever today—as AI becomes even more enmeshed in all areas of business and product design.Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: Machines Run Loops
Chapter 2: Machines Get Large
Chapter 3: Machines Are Living
Chapter 4: Machines Are Incomplete
Chapter 5: Machines Can Be Instrumented
Chapter 6: Machines Automate Imbalance“We are surrounded by computers, but how many of us understand how computers actually think? Maeda’s clear explanation of computational thinking empowers anyone to thoughtfully collaborate with machines in shaping our future—even if you don’t know how to code. A vital primer for anyone entering the AI age.”
—Kelin Carolyn Zhang, Adjunct Professor, Rhode Island School of Design; Cocreator, Poetry Camera

“John Maeda has a unique talent for making complicated technical topics accessible, friendly, and relatable for a wide audience, as he exemplifies in this book.”
—Kate Hollenbach, Education Director, Gray Area Foundation for the Arts

“Today’s machines might write code for you, but they won’t think for you. Maeda’s brilliant book unpacks why understanding computation is essential for creativity, agency, and making sense of a world full of humans.”
—Daniel Shiffman, Associate Arts Professor, ITP, Tisch School of the Arts; Creator, The Coding TrainAn internationally recognized leader at the intersection of design and technology, John Maeda is Vice President of Engineering, Head of Computational Design for Microsoft AI Platform. He was the 16th President of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Named by Esquire as one of the 75 most influential people of the 21st century, he has appeared as a speaker all over the world, from Davos to Beijing to São Paulo to New York, and his TED Talks have received millions of views. He is the author of Design by Numbers, The Laws of Simplicity, and Redesigning Leadership, all published by the MIT Press.