The WordPress community is gearing up for an unforgettable experience at WordCamp US 2025, introducing keynote speaker John Maeda, Microsoft’s VP of Engineering and Head of Computational Design + AI. Maeda will deliver the opening keynote on Friday, August 29 at 9:00 AM PT, setting the tone for a day of inspiration, innovation, and community learning.
About John Maeda
John Maeda is a visionary at the crossroads of design, technology, and leadership. With a career spanning MIT Media Lab, Automattic, and now Microsoft, Maeda has consistently pushed boundaries in how we think about digital experiences. His work in computational design and AI is reshaping the future of creativity and accessibility in tech.
What John Maeda Is Known For
President of Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
From 2008 to 2013, Maeda led RISD through the financial crisis, championing the integration of art and design into STEM education, helping popularize the concept of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math).
MIT Media Lab & Aesthetics + Computation Group
At MIT, Maeda founded the Aesthetics + Computation Group, fostering a new generation of designers who code and engineers who design. His work helped bridge the gap between visual design and computer science.
Books and Thought Leadership
He’s the author of several acclaimed books, including:
- The Laws of Simplicity – a guide to simplifying complexity in design and life
- Creative Code – exploring the artistic potential of programming
- Redesigning Leadership – insights on leading with empathy and creativity in tech-driven environments
What to Expect
As someone deeply connected to both WordPress and Microsoft, his insights promise to connect open source with enterprise innovation. Expect a talk that’s equal parts philosophical and practical, perfect for developers, designers, and strategists alike.
About WordCamp US
WordCamp US is the flagship WordPress event in North America, bringing together creators, developers, and thought leaders from around the globe. With sessions on AI, accessibility, performance, design, and hands on workshops and networking events, it’s the ultimate destination for web professionals. Tickets are available now, and Maeda’s keynote is included with general admission.