What we do

We help practitioners design technology that centers and protects vulnerable populations. We provide capacity-building, research, and community for designers, researchers, and developers. Our expertise covers privacy, security, transparency, design ethics, and more.

Contact us if you’re interested in working together.

Design Support

Responsible technology isn't just about code. In order to have an impact, tools need clear, usable design grounded in people's needs.

We empower practitioners by facilitating workshops, assisting with sprints, offering individualized coaching, and providing direct design support. Our custom sessions cover topics such as user needs assessments, interaction design, content strategy, information architecture, and usability, and we tailor them to the individual challenges of each project. Our work is highly collaborative, building design capacity as we go; our values-driven approach helps you center the needs of the populations you serve.

Let's work together

Open Research & Tools

We specialize in human-centered, qualitative research that sheds light on the interplay between people and technology, especially among vulnerable populations dealing with threats to their privacy, safety, or security. We also assist others with their research, providing support with planning, methodology, tools, interviews, insights, and next steps.

Building Community & Convening

As part of a global community of activists, designers, and technologists, we cultivate a professional network where practitioners can support each other and exchange knowledge. Our Underexposed events, our conference talks and workshops, and our online Slack community connect people and opportunities across professional and geographic boundaries. All our community events are guided by our Code of Conduct.

Our impact to date

5700+ Participants

at our presentations and workshops

50+Presentations

to practitioner audiences

48Workshops

for hands-on training

67Projects

received UX design support

14Partner Organizations

building professional expertise

13Countries

home to the teams we support