Kevin Slavin is an entrepreneur, a game design pioneer, and a media theorist who specializes in the powerful and often unseen influence of algorithms on our world. As a visionary at the intersection of technology, digital media, and human behavior, he has spent his career building groundbreaking interactive experiences. Slavin’s work provides a compelling lens through which to understand how a world designed for—and increasingly controlled by—algorithms impacts everything from business strategy to our daily lives. His popular TED Talk, “How Algorithms Shape Our World,” has been a landmark in the public conversation on this topic.
As an entrepreneur, Slavin co-founded two influential companies. In 2005, he co-founded Area/Code (acquired by Zynga in 2011), a studio that pioneered large-scale, real-world games using new technologies like GPS and mobile platforms. The firm developed innovative projects for major clients such as Nokia and Nike, as well as media giants like MTV and Disney. In 2008, he co-founded AFK Labs, a firm focused on designing next-generation responsive environments and interactive public art, including one for what was at the time the largest and densest sensor network on the planet.
Slavin's career in advertising as a creative director and strategic planner, coupled with his work as an artist whose city-scale installations have been exhibited internationally, gives him a unique and multifaceted perspective on how systems and human behavior intersect. He has taught at prestigious institutions like NYU's ITP and The Cooper Union, further cementing his role as a thought leader who translates complex ideas into clear and accessible insights. His professional journey is a powerful testament to the value of interdisciplinary thinking and a fearless approach to new technology.
As a speaker, Kevin Slavin provides a gripping and insightful look at how algorithms are quietly shaping the world around us. He uses real-world examples from his work to explain the forces that drive market fluctuations, social trends, and human-computer interactions. His talks are invaluable for leaders, technologists, and marketing professionals who need to understand the new rules of the game and how to leverage algorithms for positive, human-centered outcomes.
