Hey. Welcome in.
I’m Brendan.
I work on software that captivates me. At different points, I’ve been a writer, simulation designer, product leader, researcher, short-lived founder, and startup operator. I’ve always been an album guy.
Right now I’m working on Artificial Intelligence for physical designers and builders at Human Agency. It’s fun and meaningful.
Most recently before this, I:
was employee #5, Head of Product at Heyday, building the AI memory and coaching partner (acquired by BetterUp),
published research on how experts collaborate and learn together and patterns of hypertext with Rob Haisfield, Joel Chan, and Siyi Zhu,
launched Samepage to enable collaboration across tools like Roam and Notion with David Vargas,
landed grant and seed funding to build ^^^ and an edtech startup,
and spent a decade building simulations and choose-your-own-adventure authoring tools at Capsim.
I write about design, tools for thought, and tinkering at Shorthand. A recent piece explored prototyping through the lens of a pencil recorder I built. I like crafting my own tools.
On most days, you can find me in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood (home), Jackson Square in SF (work), or a redwood forest (play). I spent a long time in Chicago before moving west in 2022.
I’m here to find my people, and I like meeting over a beverage or on a walk. If you’re lucky, my wife and locally famous cat will be with me.
If you’re not nearby, find time for a conversation here.
I wrote this in November 2024. Life is interesting, and we’re doing it.
✌️
BREN
This is me.
As of mid-2024, I look like this. My hair is getting a bit long + I’m almost always smiling. 😎
