G'day 👋
I'm Ben Swift, a Senior Lecturer at the ANU School of Cybernetics where I lead the Cybernetic Studio---creating encounters with cybernetics for diverse audiences.
I care a lot about making computing a welcoming, interesting and creatively satisfying place, especially for people who don't fit the traditional picture of a "computer scientist".
What I'm into
Research: livecoding, creative computing, human-computer interaction, AI & creativity, cybernetics, educational AI, full-stack web development, data visualisation
Teaching: I've been an educator for 15+ years. In 2018 I received the ANU Vice Chancellor's Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning.
Current excitement: agentic AI workflows, Claude Code, and exploring how LLMs can augment creative and educational practice
Key projects
- Extempore: core developer of this open-source livecoding environment for real-time audio/visual performance
- LLMs Unplugged: hands-on teaching resources for understanding how language models actually work---no computers required
- Cybernetic Studio: research-creation work bringing cybernetic ideas to life through interactive installations and workshops
Tech stack
Currently working with: Elixir, Phoenix LiveView, TypeScript, Vue, and xtlang (the language behind Extempore)
Background
PhD in Computer Science from ANU. 15+ years as an open-source software engineer, community manager, and technical writer. Canberra born and bred. When I'm not coding or teaching, I'm mountain biking, watching football (soccer), following the AFL/cricket, or attempting to learn Mandarin.