I'm Alec Barr, applied behavioural science practitioner, design leader and tech philosopher. I turn research on the brain into engaging keynotes, workshops and advisory work that change how people see the world.
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The real risk of AI isn't that it makes us stupid but that it makes us absent – from ourselves, from our thinking, and from each other. A philosophical look at the neuroscience of cognitive offloading & Esther Perel's parasocial relationships with tech.
We make better choices by treating decisions as bets. Told through the lens of game theory, AI and backgammon, a look at how human judgement operates under uncertainty, and how probabilistic thinking can save us.
How can we better understand the psychology of the purchase journey, and what does behavioural science tell us about the "nudges" that work? Real examples of behavioural economics in action, plus tactical hints to shepherd people through conversion pathways.
AI can feel consequence-free. It isn't. This lays out a two-sided perspective on responsible AI – the personal cost to how we think and relate, and the social cost to Planet Earth behind every supposedly effortless answer.
Nearly two decades of keynotes, masterclasses, training sessions and panels on behavioural design, psycholinguistics, UX and decision-making.
What I build, write and think about when I'm not holding a mic.
A synthetic persona research platform, and the basis of my talk Post-Human Research. LLM-managed virtual focus groups focused on answering the question: can digital twins stand in for real people?
A chatbot trained (with permission) on 200+ hours of Rory Sutherland's talks and writing. Applied psychology made interactive and an iconoclastic bent.
Selected writing
More essays and ideas available on LinkedIn.
I always collaborate. Feel free to reach out for a more bespoke approach.
A signature talk tailored to your audience, or a new one built around your theme. Conferences, away days, leadership offsites and panels.
Hands-on sessions on behavioural science, AI literacy and human-centred design. From a half-day masterclass to a multi-week course.
Applied behavioural and UX strategy for brands and teams — plus essays, podcasts and panels on AI, behaviour and design.
In an age where anyone can become an instant expert, I like to go back to first principles – re-examining beliefs that have become too familiar to inspect – at the point where psychology, design and technology collide.
I read the humanities, then spent 15 years studying human behaviour in less theoretical settings: agencies, consultancies, research labs and many badly designed websites. I now lead Behavioural Science & UX at OLIVER, helping companies make better decisions about AI, products, services and comms. Along the way I've built global experience design teams, taught behavioural design to graduates and boards, and developed experimental AI systems for primary research.
The question running through all of it is simple: what is technology doing to us, and what should we do about it? I'm interested in the awkward territory between what technology can do, what organisations should do and what human beings will probably do anyway; decision-making under uncertainty, design ethics, attention and the cognitive cost of outsourcing.
Outside work I play competitive backgammon and am an amateur freediver. These may seem tangential, but they are both studies in risk and perception. And yoking disparate interests together is rather the point.
Applied behavioural psychologist & UX design leader
Whether he's facilitating a workshop or presenting to a large audience, Alec captures the attention of everyone in the room. It's hard not to leave feeling more inspired and more curious than when you arrived.Lucy Walker · Business Director · VML
Alec has the rare talent of making complicated topics relatable. He wrangles his academic prowess into tangible learnings that left our audience thirsty for more.John Griffin · Co-founder, Product Unleashed · Product Design Leader
If you want big, innovative thinking wrapped in real-world pragmatism, Alec is your man. He's an incredibly unique thinker and a walking WikipediaJoshua Speight · Startup advisor & Webby judge
He has a remarkable talent for captivating audiences with his engaging storytelling.Nikki Anderson · Founder, The User Research Strategist
Alec doesn't just talk about UX and AI. He gets his hands dirty and builds things. Thinker and doer in equal measure.Allister Hercus · Creative director & AI builder, Stroop Studios
Alec makes every room he's in a better place. If this sounds too good to be true, then I guess Alec is too good to be true.Jamal Cassim · Co-founder, Untangld
Smart, delightful to have around, a wonderful presenter and a rare unicorn in any team.Lorraine Gormley · Marketing lead, brand & content, Westpac
Everything's a collaboration. Whether it's a keynote, a workshop or a consulting engagement, tell me the room and the question you're trying to answer and I'll tell you if I'm the right person for it.
Alec Barr
