How to Speak Machine, with a new preface by the author A Gentle Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

by Maeda, John

• ISBN13: 9780262553179
• ISBN10: 0262553171
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2025-05-20
• Publisher: The MIT Press

Summary

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. In this updated edition of How to Speak Machine, which was first published in 2019, John Maeda draws on his 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 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.

Author Biography

An internationally recognized leader at the intersection of design and technology, John Maeda is Vice President of Design and Artificial Intelligence at Microsoft. 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 talks for TED.com 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.