Meet Riley Coleman
Founder, AI Flywheel
(they/them)
I'm a designer who learned the hard way that AI can harm people. Now I help other designers build AI that doesn't.
I've Been Where You Are
"It was like someone threw ice water on my face."
That moment came when I realized the AI systems I'd helped design had real consequences for real people. Not hypothetical harm, actual harm. And I'd been so focused on the technology, I'd missed what mattered most: the humans using it.
That wake-up call sent me on a two-year journey. I interviewed 130+ designers about their experiences with AI. I studied what worked and what didn't. I built four AI systems from scratch, making mistakes and learning from every one.
What I discovered changed everything: most designers feel exactly like I did, anxious, overwhelmed, unsure how to build AI that actually serves people. They needed frameworks, not just features. They needed community, not just courses.
AI Flywheel is what I wish I'd had. A place where designers can learn together, make mistakes safely, and emerge as confident leaders in human-centred AI design.
Background & Credentials
What I Believe
These principles guide everything we do at AI Flywheel.
The Journey
The "Ice Water" Moment
At LSE in Amsterdam, confronted the reality that my work on AI systems had harmed real people.
Deep Research Begins
Started 130 interviews to develop the programme, including designers from organisations like IBM, Microsoft, CSIRO, and Atlassian.
AI Flywheel Founded
Founded AI Flywheel in Amsterdam. First cohort launched with 20 brave designers.
AI Flywheel Today
304+ designers trained across 7 cohorts and 9 countries. Now based in Sydney.
What People Say
Riley doesn't just teach frameworks. They share their journey, mistakes and all. That vulnerability made all the difference.
Let's Work Together
Whether you're just starting or ready to lead, there's a pathway for you.
