Human Conscious Software
Human Conscious Software
Human Conscious Software is a philosophy to build digital experiences which preserve attention, protect dignity, and restore meaning.
Software has become integral to our lives, but not always for the better, and with the exponential growth of AI, we risk embedding damaging software practices of the past, into our collective future.
6:38hrs
is how long people
spend online each day,
this is almost 40%
of waking hours
58%
of people say they are
addicted to smartphones
We are at a tipping point.
To address the challenge we have developed a set of principles based on an underlying philosophy of keeping humans at the heart of the software lifecycle.
Technology should serve human well-being,
not the other way around
73%
of people are worried
about online privacy
92%
of developers are
using AI tools, today
anyone can ship
software
We are at a tipping point.
To address the challenge, we have developed a set of principles based on the philosophy of keeping humans at the heart of the software lifecycle.
Technology should serve human well-being,
not the other way around
The Eight Principles of
Human Conscious Software
The Eight Principles
Depth
Depth
Depth
Depth, not distraction, designs for focus, not infinite scrolls. Every pixel earns its place, helping people complete tasks and return to real life.
Depth, not distraction, designs for focus, not infinite scrolls. Every pixel earns its place, helping people complete tasks and return to real life.
Privacy
Privacy
Privacy
Privacy by design is the baseline: we collect the minimum, store it responsibly, and give users transparent control at every step. |
Privacy by design is the baseline: we collect the minimum, store it responsibly, and give users transparent control at every step. |
Narrative
Narrative
Narrative
We turn cold numbers into meaning; metrics need context. Help people understand the insights into their goals, decisions, process, or ambition.
We turn cold numbers into meaning; metrics need context. Help people understand the insights into their goals, decisions, process, or ambition.
Rituals
Rituals
Rituals
Recognising that software creates rhythms, and respecting that users, designers, and developers return. We turn habits into mindful practice. |
Recognising that software creates rhythms, and respecting that users, designers, and developers return. We turn habits into mindful practice. |
Clarity
Clarity
Clarity
Velocity without vision breeds re-work; we ship at a human tempo where craft, comprehension, and quality can flourish together. |
Velocity without vision breeds re-work; we ship at a human tempo where craft, comprehension, and quality can flourish together. |
Cadence
Cadence
Cadence
We advocate for cadence with care. Products and teams need healthy rhythms. Our sprints guard against burnout, not glorify it. |
We advocate for cadence with care. Products and teams need healthy rhythms. Our sprints guard against burnout, not glorify it. |
Calm
Calm
Calm
Good software whispers when helpful and disappears when not, reducing cognitive load and leaving space for thought. It's calm by default.
Good software whispers when helpful and disappears when not, reducing cognitive load and leaving space for thought. It's calm by default.
Intentional AI
Intentional AI
Intentional AI
Artificial intelligence is our co-dreamer: it augments human skill and reflection instead of amplifying manipulation or noise.
Artificial intelligence is our co-dreamer: it augments human skill and reflection instead of amplifying manipulation or noise.
The Philosophy of
Human Conscious Software
The Philosophy
Most software today is built to accelerate. To optimise. To constantly engage.
But not all growth is good. Not all engagement is meaningful. Not all metrics reflect value.
We advocate for software experiences that foster calmness and respect.
We protect the human spirit in an age of saturated engagement and algorithmic
overload.
Our mission is to create digital tools that reconnect people with their values, attention, and autonomy.
We advocate for software experiences that foster calmness and respect.
We protect the human spirit in an age of saturated engagement and algorithmic
overload.
Our mission is to create digital tools that reconnect people with their values, attention, and autonomy.
AI has lowered the barrier to creating software. More code is being written today than ever before.
But acceleration without reflection risks deepening the very crises we're facing: burnout, surveillance, manipulation, and distraction.
We don’t just need more software.
We need better software.
Not software that hijacks attention, but software that helps us come back to ourselves.
We believe that the future of software is where people will work with, and work for, software organisations who have a Philosophy-Market-Fit.
We don’t just need more software.
We need better software.
Not software that hijacks attention, but software that helps us come back to ourselves.
We believe that the future of software is where people will work with, and work for, software organisations who have a Philosophy-Market-Fit.
{Philosophy Market Fit noun
The moment when an organisation’s core philosophy: its purpose, values and worldview, aligns so closely with its customers’ beliefs that they choose, trust and champion its products because of why and how they are built, not merely what they do, generating deep loyalty and durable competitive advantage even in a commoditised market.}
{Philosophy Market Fit noun
The moment when an organisation’s core philosophy: its purpose, values and worldview, aligns so closely with its customers’ beliefs that they choose, trust and champion its products because of why and how they are built, not merely what they do, generating deep loyalty and durable competitive advantage even in a commoditised market.}
Influences for
Human Conscious Software
Influences
Our Techno-Philosophy has been influenced by the following people:
Byung-Chul Han
Byung-Chul Han
Philosopher Byung-Chul Han diagnoses today’s digital culture as a Burnout Society: where self-exploitation, algorithmic control, and toxic positivity wear down our inner lives. In Psychopolitics and The Transparency Society, he shows how modern platforms subtly coerce us through nudges, likes, and surveillance, not force. We become both product and participant, willingly exploited.
Philosopher Byung-Chul Han diagnoses today’s digital culture as a Burnout Society: where self-exploitation, algorithmic control, and toxic positivity wear down our inner lives. In Psychopolitics and The Transparency Society, he shows how modern platforms subtly coerce us through nudges, likes, and surveillance, not force. We become both product and participant, willingly exploited.
Jonathan Hadit
Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist and author of The Anxious Generation, exploring how digital technology impacts mental health, attention, and development. His research calls for thoughtful digital environments that protect children, restore agency, and promote human flourishing—principles that align deeply with the Human-Conscious Software philosophy.
Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist and author of The Anxious Generation, exploring how digital technology impacts mental health, attention, and development. His research calls for thoughtful digital environments that protect children, restore agency, and promote human flourishing—principles that align deeply with the Human-Conscious Software philosophy.
Amber Case
Amber Case
Amber Case leads the Calm Technology Institute to encourage devices that inform us without demanding our constant focus. Through her work, Case outlines design principles—contextual awareness, peripheral notification, graceful failure—that let technology stay in the background of life instead of at its center. Her vision of tech as a polite, unobtrusive companion directly informs our commitment to Calm by Default.
Amber Case leads the Calm Technology Institute to encourage devices that inform us without demanding our constant focus. Through her work, Case outlines design principles—contextual awareness, peripheral notification, graceful failure—that let technology stay in the background of life instead of at its center. Her vision of tech as a polite, unobtrusive companion directly informs our commitment to Calm by Default.
Cal Newport
Cal Newport
Computer science professor and author Cal Newport champions a more intentional relationship with technology. In bestselling books like Deep Work and Digital Minimalism he argues that our capacity for sustained focus is a competitive—and human—advantage. Newport warns that friction-free “anytime, anywhere” connectivity fractures attention and fuels burnout. His research-backed routines for crafting concentration and curating screen time show how software can support depth, not distraction—an essential pillar of Human-Conscious Software.
Computer science professor and author Cal Newport champions a more intentional relationship with technology. In bestselling books like Deep Work and Digital Minimalism he argues that our capacity for sustained focus is a competitive—and human—advantage. Newport warns that friction-free “anytime, anywhere” connectivity fractures attention and fuels burnout. His research-backed routines for crafting concentration and curating screen time show how software can support depth, not distraction—an essential pillar of Human-Conscious Software.
Tristan Harris
Tristan Harris
Called “the closest thing Silicon Valley has to a conscience,” Tristan Harris is a former Google design ethicist who co-founded the Center for Humane Technology to realign tech with humanity’s best interests. Featured in Netflix’s The Social Dilemma, he popularised the “Time Well Spent” idea and briefs legislators, CEOs, and millions of users on building products that protect attention rather than hijack it.
Called “the closest thing Silicon Valley has to a conscience,” Tristan Harris is a former Google design ethicist who co-founded the Center for Humane Technology to realign tech with humanity’s best interests. Featured in Netflix’s The Social Dilemma, he popularised the “Time Well Spent” idea and briefs legislators, CEOs, and millions of users on building products that protect attention rather than hijack it.
Examples of
Human Conscious Software
Examples
Apple
Apple
Apple
Launched in iOS 14.5, Apple's App Tracking Transparency asks users for consent before tracking. Most say no. This simple interface shift cost ad platforms an estimated $10 billion, showing the power of meaningful defaults. Privacy isn’t about fine print. It’s a moment of respect, designed into the flow.
Launched in iOS 14.5, Apple's App Tracking Transparency asks users for consent before tracking. Most say no. This simple interface shift cost ad platforms an estimated $10 billion, showing the power of meaningful defaults. Privacy isn’t about fine print. It’s a moment of respect, designed into the flow.
Firefox
Firefox
Firefox
Firefox’s tracker blocker runs silently in the background, stopping over 6 trillion attempts without bothering the user. No pop-ups. No interruptions. Calm technology doesn’t need applause, it just works. When software protects without demanding attention, it restores a sense of safety and space. |
Firefox’s tracker blocker runs silently in the background, stopping over 6 trillion attempts without bothering the user. No pop-ups. No interruptions. Calm technology doesn’t need applause, it just works. When software protects without demanding attention, it restores a sense of safety and space. |
UK Government
UK Government
UK Government
The UK Government rewrote its digital services using short, simple language. Avoidable calls dropped by 9%, saving millions annually. Plain English is more than a style choice, it’s infrastructure. Clarity reduces confusion, builds trust, and respects the reader’s time. Speed without understanding is just noise. |
The UK Government rewrote its digital services using short, simple language. Avoidable calls dropped by 9%, saving millions annually. Plain English is more than a style choice, it’s infrastructure. Clarity reduces confusion, builds trust, and respects the reader’s time. Speed without understanding is just noise. |
Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Japan trialled a 4-day work week. The result: 40% productivity increase, 23% less electricity, and happier teams. The lesson? Healthier rhythms don’t reduce output; they unlock it. Cadence With Care means designing time with intention, not extraction. Better software starts with better working lives. |
Microsoft Japan trialled a 4-day work week. The result: 40% productivity increase, 23% less electricity, and happier teams. The lesson? Healthier rhythms don’t reduce output; they unlock it. Cadence With Care means designing time with intention, not extraction. Better software starts with better working lives. |
GitHub
GitHub
GitHub
GitHub Copilot helps developers code faster and with more joy. Studies show a 55% speed boost and 85% of users feel happier. This is AI as an ally, not a master. When used with care, AI can elevate creativity, not automate it away.
GitHub Copilot helps developers code faster and with more joy. Studies show a 55% speed boost and 85% of users feel happier. This is AI as an ally, not a master. When used with care, AI can elevate creativity, not automate it away.
BMW
BMW
BMW
BMW’s Driver Attention Assistant (Fatigue-Alert Break Recommendation) quietly watches steering input, lane position, speed and trip length. When patterns suggest drowsiness, typically after 90 minutes of steady driving, it flashes a coffee-cup icon and highlights the nearest rest stop. With drowsy driving linked to 7 % of crashes and ~5 000 U.S. deaths yearly, this gentle nudge turns cadence into care.
BMW’s Driver Attention Assistant (Fatigue-Alert Break Recommendation) quietly watches steering input, lane position, speed and trip length. When patterns suggest drowsiness, typically after 90 minutes of steady driving, it flashes a coffee-cup icon and highlights the nearest rest stop. With drowsy driving linked to 7 % of crashes and ~5 000 U.S. deaths yearly, this gentle nudge turns cadence into care.
Influences for
Human Conscious Software
Influences for
Human Conscious Software
Our Techno-Philosophy has been influenced by the following people:
Jonathan Hadit
Jonathan Hadit
Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist and author of The Anxious Generation, exploring how digital technology impacts mental health, attention, and development. His research calls for thoughtful digital environments that protect children, restore agency, and promote human flourishing, principles that align deeply with the Human-Conscious Software philosophy.
Byung-Chul Han
Byung-Chul Han
Philosopher Byung-Chul Han diagnoses today’s digital culture as a Burnout Society: where self-exploitation, algorithmic control, and toxic positivity wear down our inner lives. In Psychopolitics and The Transparency Society, he shows how modern platforms subtly coerce us through nudges, likes, and surveillance, not force. We become both product and participant, willingly exploited.
Amber Case
Amber Case
Amber Case leads the Calm Technology Institute to encourage devices that inform us without demanding our constant focus. Through her work, Case outlines design principles, contextual awareness, peripheral notification, graceful failure, that let technology stay in the background of life instead of at its center. Her vision of tech as a polite, unobtrusive companion directly informs our commitment to Calm by Default.
Cal Newport
Cal Newport
Computer science professor and author Cal Newport champions a more intentional relationship with technology. In bestselling books like Deep Work and Digital Minimalism he argues that our capacity for sustained focus is a competitive, and human, advantage. Newport warns that friction-free “anytime, anywhere” connectivity fractures attention and fuels burnout. His research-backed routines for crafting concentration and curating screen time show how software can support depth, not distraction, an essential pillar of Human-Conscious Software.
Tristan Harris
Tristan Harris
Called “the closest thing Silicon Valley has to a conscience,” Tristan Harris is a former Google design ethicist who co-founded the Center for Humane Technology to realign tech with humanity’s best interests. Featured in Netflix’s The Social Dilemma, he popularised the “Time Well Spent” idea and briefs legislators, CEOs, and millions of users on building products that protect attention rather than hijack it.
How To Get Involved
1
The Litepaper
The Litepaper
Download our litepaper to learn more about human-conscious software. Please share it with others who might be interested.
.
2
A Conversation
A Conversation
A 30‑minute video call where we explore your current challenge, map it to the Eight Principles. Perfect for: founders, product leads, or curious souls seeking a quick but meaningful sounding board.
3
A Presentation
A Presentation
Invite me to deliver a 60‑minute keynote—on‑site or remote—that distills the philosophy, showcases real‑world case studies, and equips your people with questions they can ask in the very next sprint.
4
An Audit
An Audit
Share a URL, flow, or design process and I’ll run it through an LLM‑powered review against the HCS criteria. You receive a concise report highlighting strengths, blind spots, and three quick‑win recommendations.
5
A Workshop
A Workshop
A one‑day session that combines a keynote, live audit, and hands‑on design exercises. Your team doesn’t just hear about Human Conscious Software—they begin building it before lunch.
6
An Engagement
An Engagement
An engagement to work closely with you and your organisation to bring transformative changes over time.
How To Get Involved
1
The Litepaper
The Litepaper
Download our litepaper to learn more about human-conscious software. Please share it with others who might be interested.
Download our litepaper to learn more about human-conscious software. Please share it with others who might be interested.
A Conversation
A Conversation
A 30‑minute video call where we explore your current challenge, map it to the Eight Principles. Perfect for: founders, product leads, or curious souls seeking a quick but meaningful sounding board.
A 30‑minute video call where we explore your current challenge, map it to the Eight Principles. Perfect for: founders, product leads, or curious souls seeking a quick but meaningful sounding board.
2
3
A Presentation
A Presentation
Invite me to deliver a 60‑minute keynote—on‑site or remote—that distills the philosophy, showcases real‑world case studies, and equips your people with questions they can ask in the very next sprint.
Invite me to deliver a 60‑minute keynote—on‑site or remote—that distills the philosophy, showcases real‑world case studies, and equips your people with questions they can ask in the very next sprint.
An Audit
An Audit
Share a URL, flow, or design process and I’ll run it through an LLM‑powered review against the HCS criteria. You receive a concise report highlighting strengths, blind spots, and three quick‑win recommendations.
Share a URL, flow, or design process and I’ll run it through an LLM‑powered review against the HCS criteria. You receive a concise report highlighting strengths, blind spots, and three quick‑win recommendations.
4
5
A Workshop
A Workshop
A one‑day session that combines a keynote, live audit, and hands‑on design exercises. Your team doesn’t just hear about Human Conscious Software—they begin building it before lunch.
A one‑day session that combines a keynote, live audit, and hands‑on design exercises. Your team doesn’t just hear about Human Conscious Software—they begin building it before lunch.
An Engagement
An Engagement
An engagement to work closely with you and your organisation to bring transformative changes over time.
An engagement to work closely with you and your organisation to bring transformative changes over time.
6