1 min pitch for what you are doing now?

I’m bringing three decades of experience in cutting-edge emerging-technology and innovation insight to help design the future for brands, startups and creative agencies. As Activrightbrain, I not only consult for these clients, I also share my experience in VR, AR, AI, Autonomous Vehicles and the Internet of Everything with global audiences as a keynote speaker – introducing my full-body XR Immersion Suit (complete with fireballs) for live demonstrations.

How was the last year, what worked well, what didn’t move as quickly as you would have liked?

Some of the larger tech brands failed to move as quickly as they could have (or should have), slowing the industry down but I’ve never been one to let that stop me – so I moved from agency life to a role as a consultant where I could better influence the pace for brands AND consumers.

There’s one very important ingredient missing from the story of Autonomous Vehicles – the human. It’s time to change, so I wrote this for @Arm – eVolution: Humanising the Future of #Mobility https://t.co/7p2FjkdIxW #AI #IoT #Innovation #Cars pic.twitter.com/KK5cQB0Gqy

— Dean Johnson (@activrightbrain) April 8, 2019

What are your plans for the future?

Further exploration in Immersion and Mobility – and wherever possible, combining the two. I’m keen to push boundaries in electric and autonomous vehicles and personal transport. Flight is definitely on the cards and my Immersion Suit is ready for its jetpack!

Still thinking of coming to Dublin for ARVR INNOVATE on May 10? Early bird tickets still available — from just €117 for team members….great International speakers and networking…check out some great testimonials here..#ar #vr .. https://t.co/NfWgpSGKRj

— ARVR INNOVATE 2019 (@ARVRInnovate) April 25, 2019

What will you be talking about at this event? 

I’ll be talking about how brands need to embrace ALL digital platforms to benefit from the most immersive ones – keeping the message and the audience connected. This is essential for consistency of brand story and providing a route to sales, especially when attention spans and effort levels are shorter and lower than ever!

I will also talk about emerging technology and how VR and AR can integrate into other tech such as AI and Autonomous vehicles.

What inspired you to attend it?

AR VR Innovate has always been an approachable name in a sea of corporate events. Alex Gibson, the event organiser, places humans before tech and this leads to an engaged audience when telling real-life stories of virtual or augmented experiences.

Which influencers and websites do you follow to keep up to date with the latest developments?

I am in the fortunate position to connect with an incredible network of real people. I don’t follow ANY conventional news networks for tech developments and love uncovering new future potential from the movers and shakers, rather than the pundits and marketers.

How can people find out more about what you are working on?

I’m on all the usual social channels as @activrightbrain – sharing a mix of views on design, technology, innovation and mobility in most forms (from cars to jetpacks!) I write for various publications and my own blog www.activrightbrain.com

#FlashbackFriday to my portrait of @ChrisEubank – a fiery character, given a suitably fiery artistic style. It must be time for a @ChrisEubankJr portrait – especially as he’s inherited his dad’s fighting skills AND love of cars! #Art #Sport #Boxing pic.twitter.com/ywRH8rzzTU

— Dean Johnson (@activrightbrain) April 26, 2019

Anything else you’d like to add / we should have asked?

Well, as you asked… a couple of decades ago, I was a successful celebrity portrait artist. I took a break and in the time that passed, my creative style was deeply influenced by technology. I’m excited to have recently taken steps back into the art scene with a new series of portraits and automotive pieces, combining hand drawing, photography and digital effects. So much more to come on this, but for now, you can follow @rightartbrain on Instagram or the overview on my website bit.ly/2uPTHVM

Lights, Camera, Traction 3! On a big day, looking back on a BIG year of #PublicSpeaking #Cars #Gadgets #IoT #VR #AR #AI #Wearables #Innovation #Design #Mobility #UX and beyond! Thanks to @real_teslasuit @SolosWearables @EnkoShoes @UKVolkswagen and a cameo from @montymunford pic.twitter.com/gagOxxqIfh

— Dean Johnson (@activrightbrain) August 16, 2018

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