What has the IMD ever done for us?
No-one is arguing that the Index of Multiple Deprivation is bad, but does it actually make a difference? A genuine question that's been bugging me for a while, and so, with a bit of apprehension, I wrote about why.
More issues
Exploring conversational database building
Building databases through MCP servers with Airtable and Baserow and why open source alternatives make this stuff work better. Also giving a real example of the TechFreedom lens applied to two specific tools
Why we created TechFreedom, and why we think it's important
Launching TechFreedom a cohort based programme to help you make choices about your tech. Why we created it, why we think it's important, what it's all about and an invite to join us!
Bridging the Data Gap: A Semantic Translation Layer for UK Poverty Data
Ponderings on how to bridge the data gap. Exploring questions, semantic layers, TRE's and feedback loops.
The Interface: Building Blocks for Just-in-Time Software
The second of my 8 ideas to explore in 2026 in AI and technology. In this one I'm exploring just in time software, like lego blocks we pull together when we need them.
Building LLMs.txt for the social sector
Another blog on the ins and outs of something I built, what it's all about, and why it might be a useful tool and/or concept. A llms.txt tool designed for specific use cases.
The Garden of Ideas
The Garden Ideas, a simple facilitation tool for individuals and groups. Seeds, soil, seasons, pruning and composting as a way of making intentional choices
Building Open Recommendations
A full breakdown of how I built Open Recommendations, the inner workings, the choices I made, including provider agnostic AI, strict data structures, deciding whats a recommendation and whats just an observation, RAG, and weighting community feedback.
Is the best way to actually make AI work in an organisation to focus on constraints?
Pondering on how we actually need to focus on constraints when everything and anything is possible
The end of Data For Action
Reflections on building a different kind of consultancy- one that chose uncertainty over certainty, conversations over transactions, and approach over outputs.