Speakers
Per Axbom
The Spectacular Lies of Maps
Curiously, the deceitful shapes and curves of maps can help us make sense of direction. They also, however, can blow whole countries out of proportion and lend support to abuse of power. What you see in a map can never be the complete truth. Many choices are made in their making, based on both purpose and values.
A cartographer bears the power to, knowingly or unknowingly, distort your basic understanding of the world. And wielded irresponsibly, maps limit creativity and innovation. They keep entire cultures in a proverbial box, where unchallenged borders grow only thicker.
So how can you escape this graphic trap? I am going to draw you a map.
Per Axbom is the Swedish communication theorist and digital designer born in Liberia. His international upbringing, early 80s interest in computing and passion for responsible innovation has fostered a deep concern for human rights in the digital space.
Starting out in the mid-90s, Per has been an early internet adopter, blogger, podcaster and teacher of web trends. He started advocating for online accessibility and a compassionate mindset in service design more than 20 years ago. And by way of his deep curiosity Per has developed a unique and powerful skillset of using digital tools to facilitate creative work and communication.
As an educator, speaker and consultant on the many aspects of digital ethics and design strategy, he finds joy in helping organisations tame the moody powers of digital. Per wants you to discover and master new and fun ways of working with tech for improved wellbeing and personal growth.