Inspired by the work of the Mozilla Foundation

In the midst of this stressful period of work, I’m reflecting a little on how I got on this course and which sorts of organisations I’d like to work with in future. I know it’s a little late, but I still really like the idea of working with a project partner on my final project and keep coming back to the idea of working with the Mozilla Foundation.

The Mozilla Foundation is an organization that inspires me deeply in my work on better visions for the use of technology by communities. I initially became aware of their work because one of my tutors on my undergraduate was doing a residency there looking at the internet of things. His approach to design was fascinating, and the people he introduced me to were always very interesting in their approaches and the work they do.

Michelle Thorne works at the Mozilla Foundation and created MozFest. I met her through my previous work at design studio Superflux and have been in touch with her since about potentially collaborating on my thesis project (more news to come soon, she’s very busy at the moment so we haven’t spoken much). Michelle’s passion for the democratization of technology and visions for a greener internet has been a driving force in my own work.

Mozilla Foundation – MozFest group photo.

The Mozilla Foundation’s mission to ensure the internet remains a public resource, open and accessible to all, aligns with my own belief in the democratization of technology and data. Their focus on the importance of community engagement and participation is something that has inspired me to take a similar approach in my own work. In my final thesis project, I plan to explore how grassroots communities can fight back against extractive data practices and use data for their own aims, drawing on the principles of Data Justice and Data Feminism. As I continue to delve deeper into the work of the Mozilla Foundation and the possibilities for technology in creating a better future for communities, I’m excited to build up an archive of inspiring companies, organisations and individuals who’s work I can reference in developing my own.