Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

I've always been interested in technology, but specifically how we can use machines to engage the imagination. I started using computers when I was young and was fascinated by creating rules and instructions that allow a computer to engage in a dialogue with humans. The stories found in the data all around us can do just that.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

They say an elephant never forgets. Well, you are not an elephant. Take notes, constantly. Save interesting thoughts, quotations, films, technologies... the medium doesn't matter, so long as it inspires you.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

I'm interested in ways that digital interfaces can be utilized as powerful narrative devices, and to engage people in new and exciting ways.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

I've found that when everyone rallies behind a cause, and when they learn their effort can contribute something bigger, they get engaged.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

I studied at UC Santa Cruz before going on to do a grad program at UCLA. Santa Cruz was like an awesome hippie summer camp. I got to take a vacation from reality and hang out on beaches and in forests.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

There's something that happens with the collection of a large amount of data when it's dumped into an Excel spreadsheet or put into a pie chart. You run the risk of completely missing what it's about.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

I've always been excited by rotoscoping, the technique used in films like 'Waking Life,' which fuses animation with real-life emotion. It seemed like it was a process ripe for innovation.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

I think that music and visual arts can complement themselves nicely. They do different things - the music forces you into a different mood and perspective whilst the visual stuff can engage you in a more direct cognitive manner.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

Beware of addictive medicines. Everything in moderation. This applies particularly to the Internet and your sofa. The physical world is ultimately the source of all inspiration. Which is to say, if all else fails: take a bike ride.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

When I look at a pie chart, I just go numb.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

I've always been a bit of a mix between art and technology. I used to paint a lot, but I'm not very good with my hands. It has always been a fusion between my computer gaming interests and being exposed to the rich data of society that we live in.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

I've always loved music and held it as a sacred thing that I can't touch, as I don't really want to deconstruct it or be a musician.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

I think you can have a ridiculously enormous and complex data set, but if you have the right tools and methodology then it's not a problem.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

My work is focused on using data to tell stories and explore our common humanity.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

What's clear - and exciting - is that communication for social change is growing.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

The trouble with progress is that it tends to happen slowly and quietly. It's not necessarily going to shout about itself, or make the nightly news like a disaster or a scandal would.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

The possibilities for creation and insight are endless. We're constantly collecting more data, and it's starting to be very relevant to our lives.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

As we get more transparent with data sets about infrastructure and systems management, I have a feeling we'll see big changes in how we think about complexity and our relationship to our actions.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

It's so hard for me to wrap my head around the concept of truth, I don't even know what people mean by it.

Aaron Koblin
Aaron Koblin

I was really intrigued by the idea of using live streams of data that's relevant to real people, and that would allow us to reflect and learn about ourselves.